The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven- Book Review

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. “I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad. But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.

 

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven was written by Kevin Malarkey.  A terrible, tragic story of one man's car accident that changed the life of his son, Alex for ever.  For me personally, it took me a while to read the book, mostly because I did not enjoy it, but needed to finish it for the review.

I tried to read this book with an open mind, but I will be honest, I don't believe the story.  This is my personal opinion.  I found the book fascinating, but very hard to believe.  While I feel horrible for the family and all that they have gone through, the book to me feels like a way to make a profit out of terrible tragedy.  I will let you read the book for yourself to decide, as we are all entitled to our own opinions.  I recommend reading it merely for the debate, about whether or not you believe Alex's story.

 

* Disclaimer* I was given a copy of this book for review purposes.  I was not paid for this review.  Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for making this review possible.

Say Good-bye to Your Preschoolers Summer Boredom Blues

We've all been there, we've heard the dreaded words of "I'm bored!" "There's nothing to do!" come from our children's mouth at least once during the summer months, and even more so on a rainy summer day.  Even when the summer seems to be filled with endless opportunities, they always will find a way to be bored.

So plan ahead with some fun and stimulating activities!

1. Beat the Boredom Jar: At the beginning of the summer, sit down with your family and brainstorm a list of activities that can be done alone or that you can enjoy doing together. Encourage your children to share their own ideas and help you decorate and label a simple jar as the family “Boredom Buster Jar.”  They’ll feel more involved in the project and more likely to think this is a “neat” idea, if they participate in the creation and idea generation. Next, write everyone’s ideas down on slips of paper and as a group decide which ones should go in the jar. Anyone in the family can pull any idea out of the jar to fight the summertime boredom blues.

2. Art Treasure Chest: You’ll need to gather basic art supplies–child safe scissors, glue, markers, tape, and construction paper. Put them in a special box along with empty oatmeal boxes and paper towel rolls, colorful magazines, and bits of aluminum foil. Occasionally add a special surprise like chalk, stickers, or stamp pads so there’s always something new for the children to find. Even if you normally have these supplies around the house, it‘s fun for children to know that the Art Treasure Chest is just for them. They’ll probably have some good ideas of other household items that can be recycled to fuel their creative energies.

3. Family Performances: Break out old clothes or costumes and encourage children to make up characters and create a play to act out.  They are the directors, actors, and producers.  They can also make musical instruments out of pots/pans, wooden spoons, empty canisters and have a parade; or everyone can play along to your family’s favorite songs. Record or video the performances, and enjoy the replay.  You’ll also be capturing a bit of family history everyone will enjoy for years to come.

4. Fort Building: Children love to build all kinds of structures--from small towns to large towers. Constructing forts or tents is an activity that can keep children focused and problem solving for hours. All the items you need can be found around the house–some chairs, cushions, blankets… and of course adult supervision.

5. Summer Scrapbook: All you need for this project is a spiral notebook. Encourage everyone in the family to draw pictures of favorite activities and collect mementos from special events throughout the summer.   Children love to go back through scrapbooks and albums and tell about what happened at each occasion.  They will also be building their storytelling skills at the same time.

6. Listening Game: Lie down in the backyard, in the den or at the park and listen.  What do you hear? Do you hear what I hear? Can you imitate the sound? This is similar to watching the clouds and naming the shapes, and it encourages everyone to slow down and focus on listening.

Studies show that without stimulation, children can lose up to 60 percent of what they learned during the school year. Primrose Schools, a family of 200 accredited private preschools, suggests the key to overcoming summertime boredom and the “brain drain” effect is to encourage imaginative play and have a plan in place to keep children engaged during the summer months. So with activities like these you can offer a balance between the freedom of child-initiated play time and more structured activities that will help them keep engaged in what they learned all year long.

So with these tips in mind, sit down with your family and make a plan for an engaging, imaginative and fun summer.

Submitted by Emily Patterson on behalf of Primrose Schools. For over 25 years, they have helped individuals achieve higher levels of success by providing them with an AdvancED® accredited preschool services and education.  Through an accelerated Balanced Learning® curriculum, Primrose Schools students are exposed to a widely diverse range of subject matter giving them a much greater opportunity to develop mentally, physically and socially. Emily has written a number of articles on topics varying from bilingual learning to teaching the importance of volunteering.

Alphabeasts~Always Playing, Always Learning

Are you looking for a new and innovative way to teach your child the alphabet?  Alphabeasts is a fun and exciting way to teach your child all the letters of the alphabet and to learn how to put letters together and learn to  read.  Alphabeasts are soft and cuddly,with each one having a letter of the alphabet on it's stomach.  Each Alphabeast has a unique name and  it's own story. 

Alphabeasts are a great teaching tool, perfect for parents and educators alike.  Whether your child is just learning their letters or is an avid speller, Alphabeasts are a fun way to encourage learning.   Alphabeasts can be purchased online for $20.00 each.                                                  

Each of the 26 Alphabeasts has a distinctive design characteristic and physical attribute that makes them unique from one another. The beasts are 15" in height and are two-sided with contrasting colors front and back as well as upper and lower case alphabet characters on each side to enhance learning and playful functionality. Each beast has solid thread eye detail, a felt mouth with solid thread teeth, an exclusive custom dyed pallette, a generous polyester fill and a plush, washable velveteen outer body.

I was sent three Alphabeasts and my son loved them.  I was very surprised at how well made they were.  Extremely bright and bold colors and very soft.  My son, who is 4, is learning his letters and I was happy that he knew what two of the letters on his Alphabeasts were.  He had fun turning his Alphabeast over to see the upper case letter and the lower case letters.  We were sent letters M, I and P, so we couldn't make any words, but they are still useful in letter recognition.  Overall I think they are a great tool for learning and just plain fun.  My only concern would be the price, at $20.00 each it would be very expensive to purchase the entire alphabet, but it could be a good investment for homeschoolers and schools.

Check them out on Facebook too!

*Disclaimer*  Thank you to Mark at Higher Advertising for sending the Alphabeasts for review.  I was sent this product for review purposes, I was not paid for this review.

A Reluctant Queen - Book Review

The story of Esther as you have never read it before! Joan Wolf has taken the beloved Bible story of Esther and has turned it into a modern day love story.

     From the back cover -

She was a simple girl faced with an impossible choice. He was a magnificent king with a lonely heart.

Their love was the divine surprise that changed the course of history.

The beloved story of Esther springs to fresh life in this inspired novel that vibrates with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

It was a very good book and I really enjoyed it.   It was a fun way to read a Bible story I have heard from childhood spun into an adult book.  The author has a great way of bringing the story to life.

I definitely recommend this book

 * Disclaimer* I was not paid for this post.  I was sent a free copy thanks to Thomas Nelson publishers.



Barielle - Review

With summer weather in full swing it's time to start wearing flip-flops and sandals.  It's also time to make your feet and nails pretty!  Barielle has just the products you need to get your hands and feet summer ready.  With a great line of products you are sure to find just what you need.  I tried out a few of the following products, and was pleasantly surprised. The nail polish was a pretty summer shade, and lasts for about two weeks. I also enjoyed the cracked heel cream. It has a really nice scent and feels great on my feet.

They also carry a line of nail polish, with many shades to choose from.

• Shades by Barielle ($8 each).  Salon-strength formula that is completely free of the chemicals dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde – pregnancy safe.
  Provides high-shine glossy coat and forms protective barrier for a long-lasting finish.  When shopping online…buy one get one 50% only at barielle.com.

•Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream ($10): The most popular, ground-breaking product for nail treatment.  Helps strengthen nails to resist splits, peels and breaks.

Use daily to maintain healthy nails.

Noticeable improvement in 3-4 weeks.

Can be used over nail polish or on bare nails.

• Barielle Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender -- CEW Award Winner ($16): Quick drying top coat with UV protection.  Keeps dark colors from fading and light colors from yellowing.  Apply as needed after manicure.

•Barielle Nail Brightener -- Cosmo Girl Award Winner ($16): Natural nail enhancement for dull or yellow nails.

Specifically formulated with anti-oxidizing properties to hydrate and brighten nails.  Apply every other day.

•Barielle Total Foot Care Cream -- Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner ($12): Luxurious conditioning cream that helps eliminate calluses and cracks.

Contains NO harsh peeling ingredients, acids, or camphor.

Leaves your feet feeling soft and silky.

Baby powder fragrance.  Apply one or twice per day.
Be sure and check Barielle out on Facebook and Twitter for contests and chances to win great prizes.

* Disclaimer* I was not paid for this post.  I was sent free samples of products in exchange for my review.  Thanks to Barielle and to Robin Leedy Associates for the opportunity.

The Wild Soccer Bunch book 2 - Review

Author Joachim Masannek is back with the second book of the wildly popular series The Wild Soccer Bunch : Diego the Tornado.


Fabio, the son of a famous Brazilian soccer player, wants to join the Wild Soccer Bunch. But Fabio’s father has other plans. He makes his son play for the Furies, one of the best youth club teams in the country. The Wild Soccer Bunch is devastated, but Diego has a plan. He turns the Wild Soccer Bunch into a club team and challenges the Furies to a game! Can the Wild Soccer Bunch survive the game? Can their friendship endure the test?

If your child loves soccer they will love this series of books.  Both boys and girls alike will find the series fun and captivating. 
My nine year old daughter read the book in about two days, she really enjoyed reading it and couldn't put it down. 

The Wild Soccer Bunch has sold over 10 million copies world wide and is a world wide phenomenom.  You can purchase book two Diego the Tornado on Amazon.com or through The Wild Soccer Bunch website.
For more information as well as contests, games, and prizes follow on Facebook .

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review.  I was sent a free copy to read and review.  Thank you to the PR team for sending this book.

The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill - Review

The second book in the The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill is Case #2: Mineral Mischief.  Written by Renee Hand and Illustrated by: Jake Karwoski.

In the midst of having her friends visit her rock collection, Maple Moo’s rare mineral goes missing from underneath her large cow nose. She instantly turns to Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill, the most famous detectives in Acorn Valley, to find it. But they didn’t know the task was going to be an impossible one. The suspects were hard to figure out. Was it Candy Cardinal, who committed the crime? She collects various gemstones to make jewelry. Brutus and Betty Blue Beaver also collect minerals and have a fancy quartz collection. Liam the Llama looks suspicious with his igneous rocks and exploding volcano, or was it Huckleberry Moose with his sedimentary rock collection? Joe-Joe and Biscuit find themselves at a loss until some bullies roar into town. Will the detectives be able to find the missing mineral? Or, will this be a case they won’t be able to close? Find out in case #2 in the award-winning Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series-Mineral Mischief. Look for the various activities in the back of the book concerning rocks and minerals for added learning. Bubbling rocks, anyone?

My nine year old daughter read the book and loved it.  She especially liked all the information about rocks and the experiments in the back of the book.
As a homeschooling mom, I love that the experiments were added to the book, as this will give us some fun projects to try.
The book is funny, and educational and is well suited for children ages 7 and up.
I think the only thing I would like to see changed for the series is too see the illustrations done in color, instead of black and white.
You can find more information about the author Renee Hand on her website.  She is an award winning author and has written many other books as well as the The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill.  You can order book two through Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles.
*Disclaimer* I was not paid for this review.  I was sent a free copy to read and review.  Thank you to Renee Hand for sending the copy and for writing an excellent book.

TEXAS BLUE Book Tour with Jodi Thomas

About the book:
TEXAS BLUE, my 31st book, will be out in April and I had a great time with this adventure across Texas. First, I opened in 1875, with two friends parting ways one stormy night in Austin. Duncan, a Texas Ranger, is off to fight at the border and Lewt, a gambler, plans to find a wife while his friend is away.

Duncan, called Duck when he was a boy in earlier books, is wild and fearless. Lewt has never done anything brave and never plans to.
Lewt decides to join a group of men Duncan hand selected to travel to Whispering Mountain and meet his three female cousins. Though Lewt knows his friend would never introduce a gambler to his rich relatives, he wants a chance for more than just a life in saloons.

The reader steps into two stories running at once. Duncan fighting, being hurt in the fight, being held captive and Lewt learning how to act around women he doesn’t have to buy a drink to talk to. Both learn and grow as they discover what is important in life.
Ride along with me and I promise I’ll take you through Texas from a ranch big enough to be its own kingdom to a fight in Texas history that became a legend the Texas Rangers still repeat.

From the author:
I’ve been setting books in Texas history for almost twenty years. As a fifth generation Texan, the world seems very real to me. People sometimes ask if I’d like to go back there, and I always say no, I just loving living there in my imagination. While writing this book I felt like I was returning to a much loved ranch I’d written about before called Whispering Mountain. My hero, Duncan, was rescued as a boy from an outlaw camp and adopted by the McMurrays. He’s been raised with three girl cousins and feels very protective of them. When they think he sent men to the ranching hoping to marry them off, the girls declare war on Duncan.


I hope readers will love this story as much as I loved writing it. Though TEXAS BLUE was my 31st book, I was a little surprised that I still love writing as much as ever. Some stories come easy, some seem more like work, but with this one all I did was turn on the laptop and hang on. The story took off all on its own. My characters were so strong at some points they took over the story.


Wishing you many hours lost in reading,
Jodi Thomas
http://www.jodithomas.com/
www.facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor

*Disclosure* All content was written and sent from the author Jodi Thomas with her permission to post.  Thank you to Jodi Thomas for supplying the book to read for my review.  I was not paid for this post.

Texas Blue - Book Review

Texas Blue is the fifth book in the “Whispering Mountain” series by author Jodi Thomas. 

From the back cover:
Gambling man Lewton Paterson wants to marry into a respectable family, even if it costs him his friendship with Duncan McMurray. After fleecing a train ticket from one of the three gentlemen picked to call on Duncan's cousins, Lewt makes his way to Whispering Mountain. But seducing a well-bred woman is harder than Lewt thought, and he realizes that to entice a McMurray sister, he'll need to learn a thing or two about ranching—and love.

I absolutley loved this book!  I couldn't put it down and was able to read it in a weekend.  The characters were so fun and Ms. Thomas brings Texas to life in her books.  I went to my local library and have put on hold as many of Jodi Thomas' books as they had. 
I don't want to give anything away in the book, but it is a must read.  As it is the fifth book in a series, you don't necessarily have to read the first four books, I am going to go back and read them so I can get caught up in the series, but Texas Blue can be read first.
Texas Blue comes out April 5th so be sure and order you copy.
You can follow Jodi Thomas on Facebook and Twitter and visit her webpage here.

***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post.  I was sent a free book for review purposes.  Thank you to Ms. Thomas for the book.

Scunci Bendini clip - review

As a mom of three little girls I am always interested in new hair products.  I was asked to review the newest hair clips from Scunci called the Bendini clip.

Here’s a new and easy way to dress up your hair…just bend and snap!
Perfect for prom, wedding, communion or just to add a bit of sparkle to hair any day, we are introducing the new scünci® bendini™ clips! This high fashion hair jewelry adds instant glam in two easy steps, and works on almost any hair length and texture. The scünci bendini is available in three different sizes and a variety of styles, including jeweled crystals, colorful beads and metallics. It’s also available in the special scünci “girl” line designed especially for the little beauties in your life.


To use the scünci bendini clip, start with gathering your hair in the desired style. Slide the bendini comb into the hair, and bend and snap it securely in place for an all-day hold.

The bendini clip are now hitting shelves at drug, mass and grocery stores nationwide starting in at a suggested retail price of about $4.99 per pack.

We received two packs of the Bendini clips for girls.  They are bright and colorful and right away two of my girls fought over them.  It took us a few minutes to figure them out.  They stayed in pretty well and my oldest daughter really likes them.   Honestly, I am not sold on them.  I am not sure how many uses we will get out of them as the clips are made from plastic and are already starting to bend funny.  I am hoping they hold up as my daughter has worn them every day since we received them.

They also make clips for moms too.



You can find out more great information and take part in scünci giveaways at the scünci Facebook page or following scünci on Twitter .

***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post.  I was sent a sample product for review purposes.  Thanks to Julie at Robin Leedy & Associates, Inc.

Lilly's Wedding Quilt - book review

Lilly's Wedding Quilt was written by Kelly Long.  From the back cover:

She isn't looking for love. He's mending a broken heart. It will take divine intervention for these two to get together.

Local Amish schoolteacher Lilly Lapp is tired of weddings, afraid of horses, and immersed in caring for her depressed mother. But when Jacob Wyse, a handsome horse breeder from her small community rescues her from a dangerous accident, Lilly discovers a renewed interest in life and the possibility of love.
Yet Jacob has lost the one true love of his life to another man and doesn't care to expose himself to the vulnerabilities of loving again.

God works to bring this unlikely pair into a sweet romance to produce a pattern of faith, which leads to the creation and comfort of Lilly's Wedding Quilt.

If you love to read Amish fiction this is a must read.  The author has done a wonderful job of bringing the Amish culture to life.  The story is one of finding true love and the ups and downs that go along with it.  I really enjoyed this new to me author and plan on reading the first book in the series.  I also can't wait to read the next book!

***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post.  I was sent a free book to read in exchange for my review.  Thank you to Book Sneeze for making this possible.

Seek Me with all your Heart - Book Review

Seek Me with all your Heart was written by Beth Wiseman. 

A groundbreaking series takes Amish readers where they've never gone before . . . Colorado. Emily Detweiler’s family abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can’t get far enough to escape what happened there.
David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Never mind that they haven't told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full.
Emily and David each come to terms with a past that follows them, testing their faith and resolve. Will they overcome adversity and step onto the path God has chosen for them?


Author Beth Wiseman takes you into the daily lives of the Amish and the struggles that they deal with.  A very well written book and a great story line, I look forward to reading the next book in the series.  The only thing I didn't care for is the italicized Amish words, I know the author wants to add the language that the Amish speak, but it is a bit annoying to have to look to the front of the book to see what the words mean.  Overall a great work of Christian fiction about the Amish, and I would definitely recommend this book to others.

***Disclosure*** I was not paid for this post.  I was sent a free copy of the book thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and the Book Sneeze program.

Winner

The winner of the Pediacare giveaway is entry #1
SavannahsSmiles said...


I cuddle with him on the couch watching his favorite shows. He loves to eat popsicles when he is sick too.

The winner was chosen using Random.org.  The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email of another winner will be chosen.
Thank you to the 2 that participated in the giveaway :)

Journey to Riverbend - book review

Michael Archer is nothing if not a man of his word. Though he was unable to save Ben Carstairs, Michael is determined to carry out Ben’s dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. Unfortunately, Sam Carstairs, one of the most ruthless businessmen on the frontier, has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation.

Soon after arriving in Riverbend, Michael meets and falls for the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel seems to be running from a past as dark as Michael’s.
When word reaches town that Sam has been kidnapped on the stagecoach home, Michael offers to join the search party formed by the local sheriff. With a budding romance behind him and a dangerous rescue ahead of him, he sets out on the trail, determined to complete his journey no matter the cost.

Henry McLaughlin is the 2009 winner of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer's Guild Operation First Novel Contest.  He has written an amazing story with Journey to Riverbend.  You will find yourself out in the old west, awaiting action from the cowboys of days long gone.  This book shows God's amazing grace and how forgiveness is the key to relationships.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really hope that the author left the ending the way he did so that there will be a second book. 

*Disclaimer* I was not paid for this review. I was sent a free book in exchange for my review.  Thank you to Tyndale publishers for the book.

Pedia Care Products - Review & Giveaway

It's that time of year when sickness just keeps on keeping on.  It seems like everyone I know has a sick child or has been sick in the last month.  I have had two kids with either strep or ear infections in the last 2 weeks.  I am so ready for spring!
I was asked to review some new products from Pedia Care, and they came right in the nick of time!  I was able to test out the new Children's Fever/Pain Reliever on my daughter.  She actually had no complaints about the flavor, which was a good thing.  We were also sent the new Children's Mulit-System Cold medicine, but I haven't had to use it yet, though I may try it out if my son keeps coughing.

PediaCare® products help the next generation of teachers, astronauts and scientists get the most out of their childhood. Because they can’t conquer the world, until they’ve mastered the playground. And they can’t master the playground if sniffles and fevers keep them in bed. That’s why for years pediatricians and parents have relied on us for safe, effective medicines. And now we’re proud to introduce an expanded line of products especially formulated for kids. No matter what the ailment, like cough, cold, fever or aches and pains, you can count on PediaCare® products to care for your kids.

You can purchase Pedia Care products nationwide at retailers and drugstores for around $6.99.
To see more products offered by Pedia Care you can visit their website, you will also find valuable coupons on the website.

GIVEAWAY

One reader (US Residents only) will have the chance to win 1 bottle of the new Pedia Care Fever Reducer or the Cough & Cold formula.

How to enter:

My only requirement is to tell me how you help your little one when they are sick.

Please leave your email address with your comment.

One winner will be chosen by Random.org on February 15th at 10:00 PM EST.

The winner will be notified by email, and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

This is open to US residents only.

Feel free to blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway, but the only entry is the one mentioned above.

***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post.  I was sent free samples in exchange for my review.  Thank you to Julie at Robin Leedy & Assocaites for sending the review and giveaway product.

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion- review

It's winter and along with all the cold and snow comes dry, itchy skin.

Our family suffers from a variety of skin problems from eczema to issues from thyroid problems, and I am always on the look out for a great skin care product.

Last year I had the chance to try out Skin MD Natural, and I was very happy when they asked me to review more of their shielding lotions.

What is a Shielding lotion?

A shielding lotion does the real work to prevent dry skin in two ways.

First, it assists the inner layers of skin to absorb moisture. The humectant (an ingredient that attracts moisture) used in Skin MD Natural is unique to it and has been laboratory tested to be 6 times more effective than any other you will find in common creams.

Second, a shielding lotion enhances the power of the top layer of the skin to resist environmental irritants while protecting the inner natural moisture.

This can be a big benefit for those who cook, wash dishes and garden because Skin MD Natural helps skin retain its natural moisture and oils in the face of all those irritating soaps and chemicals.

The manufacturer's website http://www.skinmdnatural.com/ has hundreds of dermatologist and user reviews including many addressing severe dry skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. People with sensitive skin -- and those of us who like to live as naturally as possible -- will appreciate that Skin MD Natural is hypoallergenic, free of fragrances, parabens and colorants. It is made with more than 90% natural ingredients and 100% food-grade ingredients that are on the FDA's "most safe" list.

I have been extremely happy with the skin care products that Skin MD Natural has made, and highly recommend you try it out.

You can get a sample here  and see for yourself the difference that is in Skin MD Natural products.

You can find out more about Skin MD Natural on Facebook and Twitter and YouTube.

*Disclaimer* I was sent a free bottle of Skin MD in exchange of for my honest review of the product.  I was not paid for this post.  Thank you to Skin MD for the product.

Beneath The Night Tree - book review

Beneath the Night Tree was written by Nicole Baart.  This is the third book in a series about the life of Julia DeSmit.  The preface of the book is:

Do I have a child? Julia DeSmit knew she would face the question eventually, but she didn’t expect it now. At twenty-four, she is finally content with the way her life has unfolded. A single mother to her son and young brother, she works at the local grocery store while chipping away at a two-year degree. All her free time is spent with her unorthodox family—her boys, her grandmother, and her boyfriend of five years. It’s not perfect, but Julia is happier than ever.

So when she receives the cryptic e-mail from her son’s father, Julia’s world is turned upside down. She hasn’t heard from Parker since he left her in a college parking lot nearly six years ago. But one look at her son—the spitting image of his father—is enough to convince her that, for better or worse, Parker is a part of their story. Faced with this new reality and an unexpected tragedy, Julia begins a tightrope walk between what was and what is, what she hopes for and what will be.
 
I wish I had read the first two books so I knew the whole back story.  It isn't necessary to read the previous two books, it is still easy to follow along, just reading the first two books would have helped me make a connection to the characters.
While this is a christian themed book, I felt it lacked in christian content.  The whole book is about an unmarried girl raising a child, and other than a few "prayers" there didn't seem to be much about Christ in the book.  Overall it was a quick read, but the plot was pretty easy to pick out, and was like most other books.
 
*Disclaimer* I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  Thank you to Tyndale for the book.

Need a seat?

We recently completed a remodel of our kitchen and one of the big changes was adding a counter height bar area.  We needed some modern bar stools to complete the project.
My husband and I both had different ideas when it came to seating.  When I think of bar stools I think of a seat with a back so the kids don't fall off and get hurt.  He was thinking of an actual stool type seat, no back and something small.



The great set we bought!



We headed out to look around in stores and couldn't find what either one of us wanted and the prices were crazy high.  I told my hubby that I knew of a great online store that carries everything and we started looking.  We found the perfect pair for our kitchen, and we found them online at CSNstores.  

These stools are the perfect size for our small area, and they are great for kids and adults alike, and even better was the price!

**Disclaimer** I was not paid for this post. I was given a $40 gift code to use at CSNstores in exchange for my post.

Bow Allure - review

As a mom of three girls I am always looking for fun, new hair accessories and we found it at Bow Allure!  Bow Allure offers a wide assortment of bows, headbands, hair clips and bow holders. 

Bow Allure is a brand new online boutique, based in Florida, specializing in hair accessories.

Bow Allure was started in 2010 by Juliet Hartley, who is a mom of two girls. Bow Allures goal is to provide fashionable, chic, handmade accessories.

We were sent 2 headbands, and 1 set of hair bows (the ones pictured).  My girls were so excited to try their hair bands and bows.  I especially liked the hairbands for the older girls.  They were super cute, and perfect for the 7 and up crowd!  My 2 year old loved the purple bows and they worked great in her fine, toddler hair.  The hair bows come on an alligator clip that is lined, so their was no pulling of little baby hairs.
I think I am going to be ordering this cute bow holder to contain all of our bows!
You can shop from Bow Allures online catalog and you can find them on Face book.

***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this review.  I was sent free products to review.  Thank you to Juliet at Bow Allure for contacting me and allowing me to review her products.

Voices of the Faithful book 2- Review

Are you looking for a daily devotional?  Voices of the Faithful book 2 is a great devotional book by Beth Moore and Kim Davis.  With 366 daily devotions, this book will inspire you as you read about the lives of missionaries.  I have always found missionary stories to be very enjoyable and this devotion book gives you insight into the daily lives of some very great people and the experiences that they encounter.  The book is broken down into topics such as:  Prayer,  Priority, God, Our Loving Father, Divine Appointments, Lessons from the Young, Lost and Found, Making Him Known, and many more.  This book is a great read and a great reminder of those that are sacrificing their lives for the Lord.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book for review purposes.  Thank you to Thomas Nelson publisher for the book.