Thursday, May 2, 2013

Simply Delicious - Amish Cooking by Sherry Gore

I am a cookbook lover!  I love to pour over the pages and plan what I might dare to cook when given the time.  I own several cookbooks and quite a few among them are "Amish cookbooks".  I was delighted to add this new book to my collection.  It's a small spiral bound book that opens easily to make following the recipe easier.  I appreciate this in a cookbook.  Some books are so cumbersome, that it makes them almost impossible to utilize.  The book also has quite a few colored pictures beckoning the reader to give the recipes contained in this book a try.  I love that the ingredients are readily available in my small town - something that isn't true of many cookbooks on the market today.  The cookbook’s author is Sherry Gore.  You might know her as the editor-in-chief of “Cooking & Such” magazine.  She lives in Sarasota, Florida.  I learned from this book that it is the vacation destination of the Amish and Mennonite people.  The recipes are organized into categories such as breads and rolls, breakfast, and appetizers and beverages.  I also enjoyed looking at the soups and salads section and was quite delighted to find several recipes for homemade dressings.  The other usual categories are there, including desserts – one of my favorite sections.  While there are the "to be expected recipes", there are also some that caught my attention that aren't contained in most of the books I already own.  There are also stories throughout the book and while they aren't a necessary component, they are still nice to read as you look through the book.  I hope you'll give this book a try.  I'm thinking of diving in and trying the Hummingbird Cake this weekend!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, April 25, 2013

When Donkeys Talk by Tyler Blanksi

I chose to read this book because of the quirky title that caught my attention.  While the title is a bit gimmicky, I am glad that the rest of the book isn’t.  This is the story of a journey.  Tyler Blanski – a singer/songwriter and author sets out to rediscover Christianity in the modern world.  He shows us the beauty of scriptures and spiritual thinking.  Evident is the author’s passion for Christ and a humorous spirit.  He chalks this book full of life application for living in this world while falling in love with Jesus.  Tyler opens our eyes to God in all of his amazing ways. This book was a warm welcome to my reading list.  It was an invitation – to reclaim the joy of ancient ways.  I loved that it was written without a lot of focus on criticism of what’s wrong with other ways of seeking.  The author chose to instead focus on this journey.  He engages in conversations and adds in quotes from theologians which serve to encourage the reader to look further.  In looking I found a renewed sense of wonder.  I encourage you to give this book a try.  You may not agree with everything the author says, but this book will encourage you to think.  It might even encourage you to question what might be missing from your life.  Is it the best book I've read - no.  Do I even agree with everything the author says - no.  However, the spirit of the book is a faith adventure.  Faith that isn't challenged, examined and explored often ends up stale.  Read it for inspiration.  You may find yourself on a journey as well. 

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, February 4, 2013


Waiting for Morning is the 2nd book in The Brides of Last Chance Ranch series.  I had not read the 1st book in the series, but was able to read and enjoy this book without having read it.  However, after reading this book, I definetly will be checking out the other books in the series.  I have long been a fan of Christian fiction.  One of my favorite authors of Christian fiction has not come out with anything new in the past 2 years.  I am thankful to have found a new series and to have found a new author to follow.   Margaret Brownley is a gifted writer.  She wove Christian themes throughout a well crafted story.  I enjoyed reading about Molly - the main character and her disabled brother who has been left to her care.  She leaves her home among difficult circumstances and ends up working on a ranch.The story takes place in 1896.  It’s a time when women could not easily find employment.  For Molly, she has no other choice considering the need to support herself and her brother.  Molly must face learning to trust others and allow them to love her – something she never dreamed possible.  If you are looking for an easy read with wonderful themes, great characters and an enjoyable story, you won’t be disappointed in Waiting for Morning.  

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson 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.

Monday, January 14, 2013


I love a personal narrative – and while this is personal, it’s not about self.  It’s about putting yourself 2nd.  This book is a book of stories.  Personal stories.  Accounts of lives that have been changed by someone great than themselves.  It’s about what happens when you stop looking out for #1 and realize that there’s much more to life.  I remember when I first started seeing the commercials for the I am Second movement.  They were intriguing.  Then I began seeing the bracelets.  After reading the book, I now understand just what it’s all about.  I really liked reading accounts from people from different areas of life.  Some of them I recognized – Michael W. Smith, Jason Castro, while others were new to me.  I appreciated their willingness to share their stories.  I wonder how different the world would be if instead of speaking up about what’s wrong with the world, we instead told our stories.  That no matter how hard things are or how messed up the world gets, there is more.  I gained insight from the Scriptures and I liked that I could read a couple of pages account of a life changed or I could turn page after page and realize just how great and amazing our God is.  The best part is that the final chapter lead me to think about my story and about my life and where God belongs and where I belong – I am 2nd.  

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Heaven is for Real DVD Kit

It's the book that's sweeping the nation.  You can't turn on the TV, visit a book store, or the watercooler without hearing about this book.  The Burpo family has been making their rounds with the media promoting this book and I understand a movie is in the works.  I was sent this Curriculum DVD kit from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a review.  In accordance with Federal law, I am in no way paid or required to give a positive review.  That being said, I found Heaven is for Real to be an quick and excellent read.  I am a skeptic when it comes to near death experiences.  I am not sure how I feel about the theology of how this all works.  It's not that I don't believe that God can't use these things - I'm just not sure he does.  Especially when profit it involved.  In this case, after reading the book I felt that for once it was a story that seemed to be true.  There was a pureness to it.  It was believable.  However, I only hope that 6 months from now I'm not looking at "Follow me to Heaven" shirts with Colton Burpos picture on the front.  With the curriculum kit and the kid's version and a possible movie, I am wary. 
Why say all of this when I was asked to just review a curriculum kit?  Because while the book is great, the kit really isn't in my opinion.  The DVD has some interesting interviews with the Burpos.  However, the companion guide seems very elementary to me.  The questions are very general.    The DVD is put together nicely with 5 videos that are 10 to 18 minute conversation starters.  They are of good quality.  The kit might be good with a seekers group or a group of new Christians, but I think most Bible study groups would find this lacking as a study. 

Friday, November 11, 2011

Stuck DVD-Based Study


Stuck - A DVD Based Study
by Jennie Allen


Since beggining to write reviews for books provided to me as part of the Book Sneeze blogging program by Thomas Nelson, I have had the opportunity to review lots of books.  This was my first time to review a Bible study package.  This curriculum comes with an 8 session DVD, a stody guide with 5 day lessons for each week, a leader's guide, conversation cards, and promotional materials.  While the kit has enough matierials for a leader to lead a group of 8-12 women, additional study guides are sold seperately.  These woule be necessary for the members of your group.  Now that you know what's inside the box, let's talk about the value of those items.
I have led and attended many women's Bible studies.  Some of them were great, some not so much.  I think that Stuck could be among the best of those.  The materials are high quality both in appearance and content.  The DVDs show the author, Jennie Allen, showing up in locations that serve the weekly topic well.  She is open, honest and encouraging.  These DVDs will draw the attention of the women of your group and lock them in so that they are ready to explore the topic together.  The lesson guide and Bible study is full of solid Biblical principles.  The chapter ending projects give each particapant a chance to live out the study.  One unique feature of this study is the deck of cards that are used as part of the lesson.  These cards put a new spin on life application.  I think these cards will draw even the most reluctant participant in to sharing in the discussion. 
If you are looking for a women's study that explores all of those places our hearts and minds get stuck in, this is the study for your group.  It reminds us that when we get stuck we often fail to leave room for God, often missing out on the blessings He has for us.  This study allows participants to dig into the Word of God and explore those areas and how we can embrace God and get unstuck. 

I received this study as part of the Thomas Nelson Book Sneeze program.  I was not paid or required to write a positive review of the materials. 

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Brenda Warner - One Call Away - Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith"

My most recent read is “One Call Away – Answering Life’s Challenges with Unshakable Faith” by Brenda Warner.  This book is a memoir of Brenda’s life.  She has faced many trials and tribulations during her life from farm girl, serving in the military, facing divorce, marrying a high-profile NFL star and landing in the media spotlight, to facing the challenges of having a special needs child while mothering a whole crew of kids.  Brenda reminds us that while we will face many challenges, trials and tribulations in this world, God is one call away!  Those are words we need to hear. 
While I am not a football fan and I only knew who Kurt Warner was by name, I still enjoyed reading this book.  Thousands of women have enjoyed listening to Brenda Warner share her testimony at Women of Faith conferences.  Now that message can be shared with even more women who pick up this book.  I loved reading the personal stories and faith encounters that have helped Brenda Warner walk through her difficult times with grace.  She reminds us that our God is ever present and always faithful.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone, football fan or not.