Creative Slow-Cooker Meals

I love my slow-cooker!  No matter what the season, I use it all the time.  We even have 2 now.  It's such an easy way to cook up a lot of food to freeze for later.  So when I was asked to review this book I could not say YES fast enough.

Written by Cheryl Moeller who is a mom of six children.  She used them as taste testers for these recipes.  So you can imagine if they passed the kids test they must be good!  She shows cooks everywhere how to use slow-cookers to create healthy, delicious meals your family will love.

The hardest part for me was picking recipes to uses for review purposes.  So I handed the book over to my wonderful husband and said pick two for me to make.  I anxiously awaited his choices.

Here is what we settled on:

Farmer's Market Stew (page 49)

This was SO easy to make.  I am not what you call a fussy cook.  I do not like to make recipes with a lot of steps or ingredients.  The above recipe called for ingredients you can find every day.  I like that this particular recipe is easily changed up.  You could add noodles or rice to it.  Substitute any different types of vegetables...the sky is the limit.

The next one we chose was:

Chicken Rice & Veggie Soup (page 184)

This is another winner in our house.  This is also another one you can add whatever your family likes.  These are soups you can make year round.  We love soup no matter what the season is.  I grew up eating soup.  These recipes remind me of being with my grandparents. 

This book is full of great recipes like the ones I've told you about....over 250 to be exact.   Recipes like: Loaded Baked Potatoes, Sweet & Sour Hot Broccoli Salad, Seafood Lasagna or even Tangy Peanut Soup are just a few!!

You can purchase this book through a number of online resources for around $10.00.  YUM!

***I was provided this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.***

The Mockingbird Parables~Book Review

To Kill A Mockingbird was my favorite book that we had to read in High School.  So when I was given the opportunity to review this book I was very excited.  How often do you see someone in your town and automatically judge them?  You judge them solely on what they look like, how they speak, who they are with ect.  This book challenges the reader to really take a close look at those around you.

Matt Litton did an amazing job at showing us the characters in the book through our "faith lens".  I can not say enough good things about this book.  There is everything from parenting to the mysterious neighbor who watches over you and protects you.

You can purchase this book at Amazon.com for about $15.00.

As a member of the Tyndale blogger review team I was sent this book free in exchange for my honest review.

How to Be God's Little Princess~Book Review

This book has been on our radar for a long time now.  It is written with girls ages 6-10 in mind.   Sheila Walsh has done it again!  Have you ever wanted to teach your daughter manners or etiquette?  Better yet how about what Scripture says about True Beauty? 

Published by Thomas Nelson and sells at places like Christian Book.com or Amazon.com for about $10.00

I loved this book from first glance.  The pink and purple with the silver lettering.  It is a beautiful cover.  Although the book is written for younger girls, I went through it with my daughters who are teenagers.  It is never too late to learn how to behave properly.  I was far from the princess type growing up.  I would of much rather be outside climbing trees or playing in the barn.  This is not just your typical "how to make yourself beautiful" book.  This is a heart felt study on how God wants you to look, act and behave so that you can be a light for Him.  There is beautiful Scripture throughout the book.  One favorite is:

Isaiah 61:10

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,

My soul shall be joyful in my God;

For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,

And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

As a member of the Thomas Nelson reviewers I was sent this book free for review purposes.

A Dream Unfolding (Prescott Pioneers Book 1)

When I got this book in the mail I just sat and ooooed and ahhhed over the cover.  You know the kind...beautiful and captivating.  It's no secret I love everything that has to do with the pioneers and their way of life. 

This book is the first in a series (I'll be reviewing the other 2 soon).  I had a hard time putting this one down.  I was really drawn into the story of Hannah and Will.  So many aspects of the story I can relate too.  One being we moved into a new house.  My husband had never moved before, the house we did live in was built by his parents.  Although our move was not nearly as challenging or dangerous as Will's, it was still a time of adjustment.  If you love books that take place in the 1800's this one is for you!!

The Prescott Pioneers series is written by Karen Baney.  She and her husband live in Arizona with their dogs.  You can read more about her on her website HERE.

I was sent this book free in exchange for my honest review. 

Truth & Dare: One Year of Dynamic Devotions for Girls

Truth & Dare: One Year of Dynamic Devotions for Girls is a new devotional for girls between the ages of 9-12.  This devotional challenges girls to discover how exciting God's Word can be.   It is so easy for girls of this age (well any age) to completely ignore reading the Bible.  I know for my girls, I've heard them say, "I don't understand it." or "It is boring".  Honestly I remember thinking that myself about the Bible when I was young. 

Girls will be pleasantly surprised at how the Bible will come alive with this devotional.  They will soon come to realize that spending time with God will teach them many things.

This devotional was written by Ann-Margret Hovsepian.  She resides in Montreal, Canada.  She has written a few devotionals and published more than 210 articles in Canada and the US. 

(Side note.....Montreal, Canada is on my MUST visit list!)

We loved this devotional!  Our girls loved the cover.  It has a lot of color and pictures of things that pre-teen girls enjoy.  Each devotional is short enough that it will hold your child's attention, but yet meaty enough for your child to get a lot out of it.  My favorite part of the study is the journaling.  I'm having our daughter's write their answers to the questions on each page.  It really helps them remember what they learned.  Another thing I liked was that the kids had to actually open their Bibles to the passage of the day.  I am a firm believer that our kids need to learn their way around the Bible.  They will not do that without opening it up.

If you have been looking for a great devotional for your pre-teen daughter, this one is for you!  You can purchase the book HERE.

***Thank you to Audra Jennings from B&B Media Group for giving me this copy free in exchange for my honest review.***

LitFuse Book Review~~A Lancaster County Christmas

Before we begin...don't miss out on this!!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jamie and CJ Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together.  But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way.  But as usual, she is disappointed.  The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life.  Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

MY THOUGHTS:

I love Amish fiction AND Christmas!!  This story is the best of both worlds for me.  From the first page I felt as if I was transported right into the story.  I could feel the cold snow hitting my face, the smell of the fresh pies being baked in Mattie's oven.  I especially love the section where Jamie is opening up to Mattie.  This is truly a heartfelt book.  This is a book you will not want to put down.  I love the way Suzanne Fisher Woods makes you feel as if you are sitting right in the middle of the characters.  I highly recommend this book.

***Thank you Litfuse for sending me this book free in exchange for my honest review.*** 

Book Review~~Too Blessed to be Stressed

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In Too Blessed to be Stressed, you'll find simple, practicle steps for attaining the peace that you crave as you struggle with the stresses of finance, health, career, relationships, self-image, and family.  You'll discover healing, refreshment and revitilization for your own spirit, body and mind through heart changing real life stories, biblically based insights and short chapters for on the run conviences.

PURCHASE A COPY HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:

This book is a must read for every woman!  While reading this book I found myself crying, then laughing histerically on the next page.  I think my family thought I had finally lost it.  Us women try and do it all, therefore filling our schedules up...causing us stress.  Debora's writing is witty and also very inspiring.  You will laugh the stress right out of your life.  One thing that really stuck out for me about this book was when she asked about our To-Do lists.  Are we putting ourselves on it?  Hmm. No I do not give myself enough time....15 minutes...is that too much to ask?  I highly recommend this book!!

***As a part of LitFuse Publicity Group I recieved this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***

The Spirit in Baseball and The Spirit in Football

These books are such a great resource for teaching children about sportsmenship!  One of the biggest struggles we have had both in our home and in our homeschool co op gym class is the children getting upset because they didn't win or they didn't like the call of the teacher.  This is such a problem all over the place.  Little Leagues and youth football leagues have the same problem.  These books are also great for parents to learn right along side of their kids.

These books are written by Kathryn Nixon wife of Trot Nixon who played for the Boston Red Sox.  The Illustrations are done by Ana Boudreau.   



The Spirit in Baseball:

List Price: $10.00
Hardcover
Publisher: Cross Training Publishing (2008)
ISBN-10: 1450776256
ISBN-13: 978-1450776257

The Spirit in Baseball takes and applies the Fruits of the Spirit in playing baseball.  I LOVE my teammates, I am PATIENT to wait my turn, I do my best to be GOOD to others.  Each of the fruits are introduced by a Scripture verse followed by how the child can apply this to their life.  There is also a tiny fruit hidden on each of the pages.

The Spirit in Football:

List Price: $10.00
Hardcover
Publisher: The Spirit in Sports (2010)
ISBN-10: 0615386695
ISBN-13: 978-0615386690

The second book I recieved was The Spirit in Football.  Also written by Kathryn Nixon and Illustrated by Ana Boudreau.

This book has the same format as the Baseball one but takes on a little different angle.  The fans cheered with JOY and excitement.  Which his a good one for youngsters to understand, that your team is not always going to win.  If we are upset about a penalty we need to react with GENTLENESS according to how God wants us to act.   We need to show SELF-CONTROL when something makes us angry.

The Spirit in Football includes a forward by Matt Hasselbeck, NFL quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, encouraging children that “drive and competitiveness should never come before obeying the rules and being a good sport.”

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copies.***

Book Review~~A Reluctant Queen

"You know the Bible story.  Now discover the love story.  Experience the intimate, profoundly stirring story of Esther, a simple Jewish girl, and Ahasuerus, the Great King of Persia, who finds in her the companion of his soul."

This book was written by Joan Wolf.  She also wrote The Road to Avonlea.  I was unaware of how many books she had wrote.  Joan was born in New York City but raised her family in Connecticut.

This book captured my attention from the first paragraph, that does not happen very often.  Joan does a great job of keeping that attention all the way through the book.  It helped that one of my favorite people of the Bible was Esther.  Her words made me the reader feel as if I was sitting in Esther's home early in the morning while she made bread.   Esther was just an ordinary woman chosen by God to make a difference and change a nation.  This book was full of love, deceit and romance.  I can not say enough good things about this book.  It will be released in July 2011.  I highly recommend this book.

Book Review~~Mommy Whispers by Jenny Lee Sulpizio

***Special thanks to Jenny Lee Sulpizio for sending me a review copy.***

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Mommy Whispers is a children's keepsake depicting the special relationship between a mother and her daughter throughout each stage of life and ultimately, the power of prayer and faith in God throughout it all.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.95
Paperback: 34 pages
Publisher: Isaac Publishing, Inc. (December 6, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609200136
ISBN-13: 978-1609200138

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a beautiful book!  My daughter Hannah and I have read through this book many many times.  Each time it brings tears to my eyes.  Especially now that my children are growing up.  I look at them and still see my little babies.  This book wraps all those feeling right up in print!

Book Review~~The Journey by Wanda Brunstetter

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

This is the first book of the new Kentucky Brothers Series by
Wanda Brunstetter. Discover along with Titus Fisher how life can begin anew in Christian County, Kentucky. Moving from Pennsylvania, finding rewarding work, and leaving a broken romance behind is the best decision Titus ever made. But is he ready to consider love again when he meets two women: one who seems perfectly suited for any Amish man and one who challenges long held ideas of the woman’s role. Who will Titus chose, and will it be the right choice?

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602606811
ISBN-13: 978-1602606814

MY THOUGHTS:

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time you will know I love Amish fiction.  Having grown up around many Mennonites I love that kind of simple life.  Anyway...This book was just what I expected from Wanda Brunstetter!  AMAZING!  Her books capture my attention from the very first page.  I can sneak away and feel the rocks under my feet, smell of the wood stove burning or the smell of the fresh hay in the barn.  I love that about her books.  The only downfall about this book is now I have to wait until the fall in order to read the next one.  :-(

I can really relate to Suzanne in this story.  She was not very good in the kitchen at all.  She would rather be working in the woodshop.  Although I never liked woodshop, I was such a tomboy in my younger years.  It wasn't until my early 30's when I really developed a love for all things home!

***Thank you Sharon Farnell, Director, Faith Division, Planned Television Arts for sending me a review copy.***

5 Dreams of Every Woman~~Sharon Jaynes

***Special thanks to Christianne Debysingh, Senior Publicist, Harvest House Publishersfor sending me a review copy.***

Book Description:
Popular author Sharon Jaynes shares powerful stories alongside biblical, compassionate guidance to help restore women’s hope in love, marriage, motherhood, purpose, and more. Readers will learn to give their longings and brokenness to God and delight in His renewal and remarkable dreams for them. Study questions included.

My Thoughts:

So far this book is amazing.  Like sitting around the table with a girlfriend hearing her tell you like it is.  OR how it is supposed to be in your walk with Christ!  I am not done with this book yet.  It is one of those books you just can not and should not rush through.  I will be back with my complete review.

Book Review~~Weirsbe Bible Study Series Nehemiah

***Special thanks to Karen Davis, Assistant Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

Book Description:

Nehemiah was an ordinary man given an impossible task: to rebuild the war-torn city of Jerusalem. This Bible study examines the life, legacy, and perseverance of Nehemiah.

My Thoughts:

I've said it before but I'll say it again.  I really enjoy Weirsbe's studies.  They speak to "normal" folks and those who are very educated in the Bible.  I enjoy the in depth study of the book that he does.  It's like having your very own Bible teacher in your own home.  We are planning on getting more of these studies.  My husband and I are doing these together.  It has been great!!

Book Review~ 10 Lessons from a Former Fat Girl by Amy Parham

***Special thanks to Christianne Debysingh, Senior Publicist, Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

Book Description:

Former fat girl Amy Parham offers a practical, proven plan for changing not only the fat-girl body but also the fat-girl mentality. Focusing on the mental ,emotional, and spiritual aspects of our relationship with food and exercise, Amy shows how readers can make this a healthy partnership that brings permanent change.

Product Details:

List Price: $11.99
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736938656
ISBN-13: 978-0736938655

My Thoughts:

This book could not have come at a better time!!  I have taken that first step to getting my weight under control.  I am a fan of The Biggest Loser show and remember watching her on it.  I can relate with her on so many levels.  Not just the weight but her children.  Her son has autism.  She talks about the "skinny girl inside" and I often wonder what my skinny girl will be like.  This is one of those books I keep right at my desk next to my Bible.  When I'm feeling troubled I can go to it.  It's like having someone right there with me at a moments notice.  I highly recommend this book!!

Book Review~~Kaydie by Penny Zeller

I apologize for the next few posts.  I'm really behind in my book reviews.  So thank you for being understanding.

***Special thanks to Cathy Hickling of Whitaker House for sending me a review copy.***

Book Description:

Since the death of her abusive husband, Kaydie Kraemer’s life has been easier, but she’s wary of men and builds a wall of protection around her, staying with her sister McKenzie as she awaits the birth of her baby. Haunted by her painful marriage, , Kaydie is determined never to fall in love again, and it will take the grace of God to change her mind—the same grace that works in the heart of ranch hand Jonah Dickenson, a confirmed bachelor who has unhealed wounds of his own to overcome.

Product Details:

List Price: $9.99
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742174
ISBN-13: 978-1603742177

My Thoughts:

This book was just as good as book 2!!  My daughter took it right from me when it arrived in the mail.  She went through it in a couple of days.  So that in and of itself was a real big plus for me.  My daughter does not like to read!! 

I can relate to Kaydie after being in a marriage that was not good I swore off marriage ever again.  But it was only when it was given over to God that it was how it should be.  This book is a must read!  I can't wait for number 3!  I have to say these are just as good if not better than Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series!!

LitFuse Book Tour~~Life Ready Woman

B&H Publishers, $14.99, ISBN: 9781433671128

**I have been given a copy of this book to give a way on my blog!  Just leave me a comment to enter.  It's that easy.  If you are not a follower and would like to follow me I'll give you another entry.  If you are already a follower of mine I'll give you a second entry as well.  This will be open until February 22.  I will use Random.org to draw a winner on February 23.  Please leave your email address when entering.**

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Whether a stay at home; or working mom, an airplane-hopping executive, an empty-nester caring for multiple generations or a single juggling high demands of career and personal life, today's fast-paced modern world leaves women gasping for balance. We as modern Christian women want to look to the Bible for guidance on how to manage our lives -- but because the world of women looks so different today than it did when the Bible was written, it is hard to find chapter and verse that seems to apply to our situation today.

Thankfully, God has given us exactly that timeless, unchanging guidance for how to find peace, clarity, and God's best for our lives once we know where to look! The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World, reveals a profound biblical roadmap for how each of us can find the abundant life we are longing for, rather than the stressful, torn, how-do-I-balance-it-all life we often feel like we are trying to keep up with today. Actually being a LifeReady Woman means that you are clear about your life, bold in your faith, and able to find God’s best for you, and the end result will be that you not only survive but thrive in our do-it-all world.

MY THOUGHTS:

I think we live a pretty simple life.  But so many times lately I feel like the woman on the cover of the book.  But without the smile, makeup and hair that looks that good.   I honestly do not know how women work outside the home and still manage to keep it together.  I've been struggling a lot lately to keep everything running smooth in our household.  Then the guilt sets in because I feel like I'm failing.  This book was JUST what I needed to help me put it into perspective.  Each chapter I read I found myself relating more and more to.  It was like she was writing just for me.  I highly recommend this book to every woman.  No matter where you are in your life.  A quote from the book that has really struck me is, "Each of us has to fight the tendency to trust ourselves and not trust God, especially since the areas that are hardest to trust God in are the most important for us!"

I was not aware of the site Mom Life Today.com until this book tour.  Well they are giving away a Weekend to Remember Get a Way. 

In celebration of Shaunti Feldhahn’s Life Ready Woman, MomLife Today is giving away 2 Weekend To Remember Gift Packs and much more!

Not only, is MomLife Today helping promote Life Ready Woman, but they are thrilled to announce that Shaunti will be joining MomLife Today as a regular contributor!!!

Weekend To Remember Get-Aways offer marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives to strengthen your marriage. Whether you are newly engaged or have been married for 50 years, you will find value in the tools provided at the getaway.

The winner will be announced March 2.  These are great get a way weekends for couples. 

Thank you LitFuse for giving me this book for review in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review~~Trusting God to Get You Through by Jason Crabb

Charisma House (January 4, 2011)

***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva | Publicity Coordinator, Book Group | Strang Communications for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best known as the powerhouse lead vocalist for one of Gospel’s most acclaimed and awarded groups, The Crabb Family, Jason Crabb’s career has already been an incredible ride. While garnering multiple Dove Awards, three GRAMMY nominations, and 16 #1 singles with his family, Jason has become one of the Christian music community’s most acclaimed vocalists. Crabb has become a “fan favorite” at the Grand Ole Opry, appeared regularly on the Gaither Homecoming Series videos, and was honored to sing for the Rev. Billy Graham’s final crusade in New York. He has sung with the legendary Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, among many other diverse and prestigious opportunities. His solo album debuted at #1 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Christian/Gospel Christian Retail chart the week following its release in 2009.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

More than anything else, this book is about an amazing God who reaches down and touches ordinary lives. It is a testimony of all He has done for Jason Crabb's family and for the people he has been privileged to meet throughout the years on the road. He wrote this book because every soul walks through the fire of adversity. Most of us have walked that plank several times. Whether the life of your dreams is unfolding before your eyes, or you are losing hope that it ever will, you have tasted a trial or two. No human being with breath in his lungs can say, "Difficulty has never darkened my doorstep." You may have entirely different life experiences than Jason. Yet, when you look in the rear view mirror, you can see the high points and low points of days gone by. The important thing—the truly amazing thing—is that like Jason—you came through all of it. There may be a scar or two to remind us of the past, but the past is behind us. Jason Crabb wants you to know that you came through it for a reason.There is something God is yet going to do with you. The important things to remember is that you can go through the fire—any fire—with God's help.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Charisma House (January 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616381744
ISBN-13: 978-1616381745

MY THOUGHTS:

I've been a fan of The Crabb Family's music for along time.  This book made me realise we ALL walk through trials.  Many times when you hear people on the radio you think to yourself...boy I wish I had it all together like they do!!  I never stopped to think that they struggle just like we do...many times more than we do.  They have this "image" they have to keep.  In the book Jason talks about his past and the scars.  My past is something I struggle a lot with!!  But God saved me for a purpose!  I really think everyone should read this book.  It is a great uplifting book!  I realized that I'm not the only one with a past!

Book Review~~The Purpose and Power of Authority

Whitaker House (January 4, 2011)

***Special thanks to Cathy Hickling of Whitaker House for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Myles Munroe is a best-selling author, founder and president of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, a motivational speaker, and consultant for government and business. He has spent the last thirty years training leaders worldwide in business, education, government and religion. Dr. Munroe completed undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Oral Roberts University and the University of Tulsa. He is the recipient of honorary doctoral degrees from a variety of schools and serves as an adjunct professor of the Graduate School of Theology at Oral Roberts University. Dr. Munroe and his wife Ruth are the parents of two grown children and travel as a teaching team.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Are you walking in your unique calling? Do you know that you have an inherent, personal authority that is meant to guide your life? In his new book, best-selling author Dr. Myles Munroe explains that many people don’t know how to live out their dreams or find their place in the world because they don’t understand the principle of true authority. Until one discovers his or her unique, God-given areas of authority and responsibilities, he or she may spend a lifetime feeling unfulfilled or lost. Discovering one’s personal authority is the key to fulfillment and effective living, Dr. Munroe maintains. He explains not only how to discover one’s inherent authority, but to how to respond constructively to others with confidence, free of fear and intimidation. Dr. Munroe has said that he feels this book contains his most significant teaching to date.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (January 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 160374262X
ISBN-13: 978-1603742627

Book Review~Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

This book is written by Lysa TerKeurst the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. 

"Lysa wrote the book Made to Crave from the perspective of a woman who has never craved a carrot stick in her whole life. Having struggled with her weight her whole adult life, Lysa knows what it feels like to be in the vicious cycle of gaining and losing, but never feeling at peace in her struggle. Everything changed when Lysa decided to have her deepest desire met by God not food. Now, armed with the spiritual motivation she gained in her own journey, she is inspiring others to find lasting victory."

I have been hearing about this book for about a year now.  I tell you I was SO tickled pink when I found out I'd been chosen to get this book for review.  I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember.  I've also struggled with doing God's will in my life.  This book is a perfect fit for me.  I can not say enough good things about it!!  Now you must know this up front....it is NOT a diet book.  It will not tell you what to eat.  Many of us know what we should or not eat.  I've always done great for a while but never followed through.  That is why I loose weight and go right back up again.  I like it in the book when Lysa says, "Weakness is hard, but it doesn't have to mean defeat.  It is my opportunity to experience God's power firsthand." 

At the end of each chapter are "Personal Reflection" questions.  Let me tell you these REALLY get you thinking and praying!!  I'm participating in an online study of this book and plan on blogging about my journey through Made to Crave.  So please come back and check in often.  This is in no way shape or form an easy read...meaning you are going to have a lot of hard work ahead of you.  One by one you will be peeling off the layers....getting to the person God has created you to be.  It's time to put the excuses away for good!!  I highly recommend this book...even if you do not struggle with your weight.

Lysa has a number of fun things coming up during the next few weeks.

On the sidebar of my blog you will see the button to take you to the Kindle give a way.

Win a brand new KINDLE from Lysa TerKeurst during the Made To Crave KINDLE Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of Made to Crave and the MTC Small Group DVD Study Set, Lysa is giving away a KINDLE prize package worth over $175.00!

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle with Wi-Fi & the New E Ink Pearl Screen
• KINDLE editions of Lysa’s Made to Crave and Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl

But, WAIT there is more!

Lysa will be announcing the winner of the Made to Crave KINDLE Giveaway on February 8th during the Made To Crave Party on Facebook!

During the party Lysa will chat with guests, host a trivia contest or two, and give away lots of other fun prizes (copies of Lysa’s other books and Amazon.com, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates) – including a live Author Chat with Lysa for your small group!

Don’t miss the fun! Lysa is looking forward to learning more about you – so be sure to stop by Lysa's Facebook Author Page on February 8th at 5:00 PM PST (6 PM MST, 7 PM CST, & 8 PM EST).

**This book was sent to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review."

Book Review~~The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About Book 3: Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision.   She couldn't have known how much her choice would impact so many.  Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

My Thoughts:  I love Amish fiction.  This book was such an easy read.  I had a hard time putting it down.  The words just flowed easily.  I felt as if I was sitting with them at the table, enjoying good food and conversation.  Suzanne did a wonderful job of making me the reader feel exactly what the characters were reading.

I have not read the other books in the series...but I intend to.  You do not need to read them before this one.  It can be a stand alone book...but why would you want to.  These books are THAT good. 

Thanks to Amy from the Litfuse group for sending me this book free to review.  All opinions are my own.