Taming the To-Do List by Glynnis Whitwer

First of all, I should thank Glynnis Whitwer for helping me to procrastinate for just a little longer on a few tasks I've dreaded doing. In fact, within the time frame of reading this book, I put off cleaning bathrooms, mopping, and I do believe there was a day I put off doing the dishes! My excuse was perfect: once I finish reading this book, I'll be better at marking those tasks off my to-do list. So from the bottom of my heart (and much to my husband's dismay), thank you!

In all seriousness, I had first looked forward to this book because I thought it would help me to become more efficient at the tasks that I juggle everyday. For example, I thought maybe there would be some divine idea that would shine a light on how to make my bathrooms shinier much faster or help me not to look at sweeping as such a chore to loathe. Or perhaps it would show me where that magic fairy was that could help me put up my clothes that have now sat in the laundry basket for um....3 weeks. This book did none of that.

However, it did tell my what the root of my problem is. It revealed to me why I look at my mess and just shut down instead of becoming motivated to do it all. It explains why I feel so much more progress when I write down every little step so that I can mark it off. It also told me why I figure that if I can't do my best then I shouldn't even start. I am a procrastinator. Of course, I knew I was in small ways, but I really didn't think it carried over to housework. I was wrong!

I really appreciated her tips of journaling out a huge master to-do list and then making it one-step tasks vs. multiple-step tasks. I'm the one with sticky notes dividing up my other sticky notes. This sounded like a glorious idea to me, and one that I'm already taking to heart.

The book does include some soul-searching and action steps. I found this helpful because I have a tendency to keep on breezing through the book and forgetting some of the ideas the book mentioned.

If you're a procrastinator or don't have a clue if you are or not, this book is for you! Seriously. Don't procrastinate in getting this book. It is a one-step decision to go to the store and get it or go online and add it to your cart.

Oh, and it has the cutest cover that makes every task-oriented person want to grab this book and devour it right away. I mean, who doesn't love a check list as a cover?!

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

Ties that Bind by Cindy Woodsmall

Every time I read a new release by Cindy Woodsmall,  I'm convinced it's the best book I've read of hers. That holds true with this book, too. I don't know that I could pick a favorite book of mine that she has written because I enjoy them all and they have a permanent space on my bookshelf!

From the front cover to the back, this book is well done. The cover of the book is beautiful, along with the fonts used for the title. I try not to judge a book by its cover, but I do.

Ties that Bind is the first book her latest series, The Amish of Summer Grove. Quill and Ariana have a past and honestly, based on the synopsis of the book, I was prepared to not like Quill. I was pretty convinced that I wouldn't like him. However, it's awfully hard not to like someone who wants to protect someone from something that they know will devastate them. The lengths he goes to and the compassion he shows has made me change my mind. I cannot imagine what Ariana must feel, though, with the new knowledge she has just learned about her life.

If you're looking for a book in a series that ties the story up and puts a bow on it, don't grab this book! It leaves some things unanswered, and leaves the reader waiting anxiously for the next release.

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

Intersect: Where your story and God's story converge-Small Group DVD

I had no trouble seeing how I would love to use this DVD as a small group study or even as conversation starters with people I meet daily. Although this DVD focuses on the UK, it is very applicable to life in the United States. I was hooked on the first story of the father discussing how life has changed from his expectations when his son was diagnosed with autism. I also could easily relate to the mom trying to balance life and work.

Part of the Awaken movement, this DVD is an excellent resource that will help to equip members of your church to live out their faith. The study is simple You watch the videos, which are actually short stories. There are 5 stories in the DVD. Inside the booklet in the case, there is a study guide for both facilitators and participants.

The great thing about this DVD is that it isn't necessarily geared just toward Christians in church. This is also for the unchurched, for those who are searching, or those who just like to have spiritual conversations. The topics that the study hits on are: expectations, rest, disappointment, trust, and control.

I did have my toes stepped on a little and had some great reminders in each of these sections. The control section and expectations, though, have stayed with me.

The video is beautifully done, with beautiful pictures of the U.K. It is not a video that is done halfway. You can tell they put their best into this resource for the church. I will definitely be holding on to this video and using it for a small group study. I can even see a group of teens using this study easily.

Read other reviews on this DVD at http://litfusegroup.com/author/peabodyrogers.

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About the Book

                       Intersect DVD (Awaken Movement, July 2015)
Follow the journey of five individuals as they tell authentic stories of circumstances that have forced them to examine how God might fit into their lives.
This five-week small group resource helps spark spiritual conversations. Starting spiritual conversations with those outside of the church is a worthy, yet often difficult and intimidating task. Intersect was designed to help overcome those barriers. It is an easy-to-use resource, perfect for sharing with co-workers, friends, neighbors, and family to enter into meaningful conversations.
Each film is accompanied by thought-provoking questions designed to encourage participants to examine the world in which they live and the life they are pursuing, always ending with a conversation on how Jesus intersects the current topic. Allow this powerful new film resource to engage those you are in relationship with and then propel them forward in their next step with Jesus.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Rob Peabody and Cris Rogers

Rob Peabody is the cofounder and international director of Awaken, a nonprofit that exists to resource the church for action. Awaken creates resources that inspire, educate, and equip local churches to live as Kingdom-bringers in their communities. In 2011, Rob and his wife, Medea, along with their two boys left his position as a lead campus pastor at a megachurch in Texas to pioneer and lead a church seeking to engage unreached 20s and 30s in northeast London. He is the author of "Citizen: Your Role in the Alternative Kingdom." Cris Rogers is a writer, pastor, speaker, and church visionary. In 2010, he planted a church in the poorest area of London with a dream for it to be an explosion of joy within the tower block estate in which he works.

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I received this DVD resource free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion of this resource.

Counting on a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

I was hooked on this series ever since I read the first book a few months ago. I was really looking forward to reading this one and kept my eye out waiting for this one to be released. I loved all the characters in the previous book and just knew this whole serious would be a fun read. I'm so glad I wasn't disappointed... not like I even thought I might would be. With Debra Clopton, I've decided that's near impossible!

This book focuses on Bo who is in for the surprise of his life. He gets some unexpected news that shocks him and forever changes his life. Now he has to change his plan for his life and come to terms with a new "normal." His life is already busy by taking care of his Pops, and now he's adding a son. The last thing he thinks he possibly needs, or can handle, is a wife.

Abby is such a sweet girl and I truly liked her. Of course she'd have to be sweet in order to mesh with Bo and to win his cowboy heart! She teaches him a lot on the journey of fatherhood.

Debra Clopton does an excellent job with adding humor in just the right places. I love this Four of Hearts Ranch series. These cowboys are in for a life that they never expected! I'm anxiously awaiting book 3 in this series.

But don't take my word about this book. Go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/dclopton to see more reviews.

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About the Book

                       Counting on a Cowboy (Thomas Nelson, August 2015)
After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.
Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.
Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.
This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Debra Clopton

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

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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.
 

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

I'll be completely honest: I wanted to read this book simply because of the cover and the title of this book. I know that's a completely lame reason when it comes to an avid reader choosing a book! But I can't help it. I'm drawn to books with "Ireland" or "Irish" in the title. Now that I've confessed, I'll also go ahead and state that I had never read any books by Susan Anne Mason. So I wasn't certain whether I'd like this book or not since I had a different set of criteria in choosing this book, apparently!

I really like the title of this new series: Courage to Dream. I think it lends itself to some very promising books in the future. In this particular book, though, the O'Leary clan are the ones who are having to dare to have courage. The sisters, Colleen and Brianna, must find the courage to go completely against what their father wishes for them. It's not necessarily out of spite.... it's just that they have a different idea of what they want. I liked these two spunky sisters, even when their sisterly rivalry was at it's peak. The character I didn't like quite as much was their father, simply because I wanted them to marry for love. I understand the historical times, but I still wanted love to be a factor in their marriages.

I really like historical fiction and am always amazed at the amount of information I learn in a well-written historical novel. I learned a lot in this book. However, there were times where I felt like the content was a little heavy on the history side. It was good, but it seemed to drag the story for just a little while before I got back into it again. With that said, though, I still found the story interesting and it did capture my attention.

I am looking forward to see what direction this series will go. It definitely has a lot of possibility.

Don't just take my word for this book, though. Find out what others thought by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/smason.

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About the Book

                       Irish Meadows (Bethany House, July 2015)
Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.
Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.
Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.
As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Susan Anne Mason

Susan Anne Mason's debut historical novel, "Irish Meadows," won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.
 

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

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

If I were to name a favorite author in the historical fiction category, it would definitely be Sarah Sundin. Her books are full of history and you can tell she does her research well before she starts writing. I have read many of her books and have enjoyed each one so far.

Through Waters Deep didn't disappoint me at all. The first book in her new series, Waves of Freedom, focuses its time in 1941. The reader is introduced to, and instantly hooked on, Jim and Mary. I was captured by this story from the first page.

I found this book to be relative to today in some ways. For instance, America didn't really expect or believe what was going on in the European countries. History is repeating itself in some ways today and you can see a little of that parallel in this book. It definitely made me think about the years we are living in now.

I couldn't help but respect Jim and Mary as their story unfolded. They learn of a sabotage and they know they have to stop it and figure out who is behind it. I really liked the suspense that Sarah Sundin put into this book. I wasn't necessarily expecting it, since I don't usually read the synopsis of the book that is placed on the back of the book. I like the element of surprise.

If I had to choose a favorite character, it would be Mary. She was strong, courageous, and not without things that she had to overcome. She had the fear, but also knew that fear couldn't paralyze her if she was going to be able to save lives. When placed in a dangerous situation, she acted.

I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series. What a wonderful book this was!

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

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

If I were to name a favorite author in the historical fiction category, it would definitely be Sarah Sundin. Her books are full of history and you can tell she does her research well before she starts writing. I have read many of her books and have enjoyed each one so far.

Through Waters Deep didn't disappoint me at all. The first book in her new series, Waves of Freedom, focuses its time in 1941. The reader is introduced to, and instantly hooked on, Jim and Mary. I was captured by this story from the first page.

I found this book to be relative to today in some ways. For instance, America didn't really expect or believe what was going on in the European countries. History is repeating itself in some ways today and you can see a little of that parallel in this book. It definitely made me think about the years we are living in now.

I couldn't help but respect Jim and Mary as their story unfolded. They learn of a sabotage and they know they have to stop it and figure out who is behind it. I really liked the suspense that Sarah Sundin put into this book. I wasn't necessarily expecting it, since I don't usually read the synopsis of the book that is placed on the back of the book. I like the element of surprise.

If I had to choose a favorite character, it would be Mary. She was strong, courageous, and not without things that she had to overcome. She had the fear, but also knew that fear couldn't paralyze her if she was going to be able to save lives. When placed in a dangerous situation, she acted.

I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series. What a wonderful book this was! Don't just take my word for it, though. Check out what others thought at http://litfusegroup.com/author/SSundin.

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Through Waters Deep (Revell, August 2015)
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.
Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them.
Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Sarah Sundin

Sarah Sundin is the author of "With Every Letter," "On Distant Shores," "In Perfect Time," and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, "On Distant Shores" was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

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