Growing Up Duggar by Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger Duggar

I am a huge fan of the Duggars.  I watch their show and have read both of the books that Jim Bob and Michelle have written.  I have found them to be extremely helpful in raising my own children.  When I saw this book, I originally didn't want to read it.  I figured it would be geared more towards teen girls.  That was, of course, good, but in my spare time I wanted to read something meaningful and helpful to where I am in life. 


You can imagine my surprise when I felt like I needed to take some notes in the first couple of chapters!  The whole book is about relationships.  It is from their point of view, but their view towards their parents was so helpful to me.  They told some rules their family incorporates to help stop bickering and how their parents offer love and encouragement to each child.  I love that they spend some time with each child doing a heart-to-heart talk.  They shared some topics they discuss and I kept thinking that's what I want to do with my children.  I want them to feel safe talking to me about these things!


The chapters where they talk about their relationships with their parents and with their siblings were probably my favorites.  I liked the rest and thought they were helpful, but I took a lot of parenting ideas from the first two chapters.  I've already started the obedience game in our home.  How did I not think of that?!  The kids love it!


The book is great for those pre-teen to teen years and even into their young adulthood.  I like how positive they were about being single and how it is a time to focus on their hearts and prepare themselves by working on their relationship with God. 


I'm keeping this book for the future when my daughter (who is now 3) comes to the age where these issues begin to raise themselves.  Until then, I'll be revisiting the first few chapters to glean all of the parenting information I can!


It was helpful to see how they viewed their siblings and helping out their parents.  They truly have a servant's heart and I am glad to hear that they don't despise them at all for helping within the family.  It is encouragement to a young mom who is just starting trying to figure out chores and all of those things within our own family.


I hope the Duggars write more books.  I feel like they are so positive and give me lots of ideas and challenges.  I know they have their plates full of things, but surely another book could make that list!

___________

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

My Amish Boyfriend by Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson is an author I like to go to when I'm looking for a good light-hearted, fun read.  Her story lines are fun, not necessarily reality.  However, the emotions that her characters feel are very much real and easy to identify.


In this book, I can't imagine how Shannon juggles school and taking care of her sick mother.  I know people do have to do that as young people and they are to be commended.  The book is tailored more for youth, I think.  The situation Shannon is in is very easily identifiable with many in today's youth. 


I found Shannon's selflessness refreshing.  It was such a good example for not just youth, but for adults, as well.  She laid aside her summer plans and her desires to go with her mom to take care of her.  She had no idea where she was going and the fact that her mother had family came quite as a surprise.


It as fun to watch her try to become Amish.  I can only imagine how difficult that would be.  But I liked how Ezra was able to help Shannon get through those dark times of summer.


The only hard part for me about this book was trying to get back to thinking I was young.  I tend to put myself in as the character, so it was hard for me to go into that mindset.  I'm impressed by those people that can easily do that.  With that said, this book wasn't meant for adults, so her goal was accomplished.  However, I did read it and enjoy it very much.

_____________

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

First Date by Krista McGee

The President's son and a girl from a Christian school in Tampa, Florida, who wouldn't normally be in the same social circles, find themselves on a game in which a prom date is up for the winning. 

Addy doesn't like attention.  She has goals in life and none of those goals include going on a reality television show where the President's son gets to choose his prom date.  However, her school was chosen to send someone and so Addy was the one appointed to go.  She tries to resist, but figures there must have been some reason God wants her there so she goes.  None of the girls like her, except for one, Kara.  They all think that she is trying to get all of the votes and will do anything to win the attention of Jonathan.  She is far from that, though.  She really is the opposite of what everyone is making her out to be.  She's a girl who is struggling to let Christ shine through her discomfort and has to find a way to stand for Christ in a place where Christ is not popular.

Jonathan likes Addy from the beginning and would love to go on a date with her but Hank stands in his way.  Hank hates Addy and will do anything for Addy to be off the show.  How far will Hank go to get rid of Addy?  Who will Jonathan choose?  Or will his choice even really be his choice?  Will Jonathan and Addy be together or will it be Jonathan and someone else?  All these questions but one thing is clear: Addy wants to make it known that she will obey Jesus when her heart is scared.

This is a cute book that I enjoyed reading.  I'm not sure what category it would fall under because it was almost a chick lit book but would make a great read for a teen.  Some of the ideas were far fetched, but honestly, I never mind that when I'm reading a book.  I think that a book is a place for me to escape to anyway, so anything can happen within the pages of a book.  Some people don't like that though, so that would be my only caution about the book.  Like I said, though, I liked that and it didn't deter me from enjoying this book.  If you have a teen daughter who likes to read, this would be a great book for her.

I should also say that this book is a modern retelling of Esther and Mordecai.  That in itself requires some scenes that are hard to believe.  So do keep that in mind when you are reading this book.  You may even want

_______________

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review bloggers program. 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

________________