Book Review: The Final Summit

  The Final Summit by Andy Andrews.  This has been such a hard book for me to get into, probably because I haven’t read The Traveler’s Gift.  It would help explain a lot of what is going on early in this story because it doesn’t make sense to me.  I’m sure it is a good read with the foundation of the first book.    I’ve tried and tried to read and decided to give up.  I don’t generally have this problem with a book and I feel kinda bad about it, but that’s how it is for me.

Maybe some day I’ll get the first book, and then read The Final Summit.  It’s nothing against the book, but it’s like jumping into the middle of a movie and you don’t know what has already happened.  🙂

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.”

**I started writing this review a LONG time ago, but finally decided to get this done.  

My Memories DRAWING!!!!!!

**I tried to be all fancy and use this randomizer that I had seen other bloggers use, but I’m frankly too cheap for it, especially since I wouldn’t use it very often.  Sooooo, we did it the old fashioned way.

 There were 8 entries on the Original Post.

I wrote the names down.

 Then I folded them in half again and placed them in this lovely bowl.

 This cutie volunteered for the job of drawing a name.

 Here he is taking a piece of paper out of the bowl!

 Well, who is the winner?? 

 Woo Hoo!  We have a winner and it’s

Rapchef 2!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Rapchef 2 (Renea)! 

Just send me your email address:

emilystrobel@zoominternet.net

Enjoy your My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software!  

My Memories Review and a GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!

My Memories gave me the opportunity to review their digital scrapbooking software the last couple weeks and I have been trying to find the time to play, play play! 

There is SOO much you can do with My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software that I haven’t even got to try, but I did make a few scrapbooks.  I’m still learning what all can be done with My Memories software. 

You can make digital scrapbooks that can be printed and shared, but you can also make calenders, slideshows, greeting cards!  All kinds of exciting, fun stuff!

Digital scrapbooking with My Memories is new to me, but I LOVE it!  It’s so easy and fun! 

Here are some samples from an album I’m working on.  I intend to add more pages once I take more photos of other antiques. 

 These are the pages that I’ve worked on 

and there is so much that you can do using My Memories Suite!

Now for the GIVEAWAY!!!

All you have to do is visit

www.Mymemories.com 

and then post in the comment section below what

you like on their site!

For more entries into the giveaway tell me that you

1.“LIKE” them on facebook

AND/OR

2. Now Follow their Blog 

This contest will run from now and the drawing for a winner will take place next Thursday, January 26, 2012. 

Enter and share with your friends, too!

Can’t wait to see who the winner will be!

This is my first giveaway and I am so thrilled that

My Memories asked me to do this!

Would be helpful to actually GIVE the code!! 🙂


 Here is the CODE:  STMMMS77324


Just copy and paste the code when you check out to get the discount!!  

Max on Life – a Booksneeze Book Review

  I haven’t read a book by Max Lucado that I have disliked, and this one is no different!  This book has answers to questions folks have asked him over the years through letters.  His answers are good, Biblically sound answers and he always refers to the Word of God in each answer.  There were even questions that are similar to ones I have and I really appreciated his answers to them.  There is also an Addendum entitled “The Write Stuff” and he talks about writing!  I need to heed his advice here, for sure.  It’s definitely a good book and one I’ll keep on my shelves to refer to as needed.

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 

God’s Wisdom for Mothers – a booksneeze review.

This book grabbed my attention, so I chose it and I am so glad I did!  I love the cover picture and the title.  This book is compiled by Jack Countryman. I love how it’s broken into topics that we mothers deal with on a daily basis and full of Scripture verses under each topic.  The verses are encouraging and sometimes just what I need to hear in certain situations.

An excerpt from the book (pg 48.)  “The Crown of an Excellent Mother . . . is Sensitive to the Holy Spirit”   Listed after that title are 8 Scripture verses and/or passages that go along with the title and the first one is:  Proverbs 3:5-6 (Scriptures are from the New King James Version) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
                                  
This book would make an excellent gift for any mom or mom-to-be and it could be an encouragement for yourself.  I love how you can pick and choose the topic that is affecting you most and read the Scriptures that can help you get through it.  I love this book!  God’s wisdom is definitely something I need these days – who doesn’t?!

** 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.”

The Mountains Bow Down by Sibella Giorello (my booksneeze book review)

  I LOVE a good mystery and this book delivered on that!  It was quite an exciting mystery with a little bit of romance and a few references to God here and there.

Lately I’ve become such a book critic.  I think I am looking at books with my daughter in mind.  She is currently 7, so it’ll be a while before she reads these, BUT I do not think I would let my teenage daughter read this book.

The story is about an engaged FBI agent (her name is Raleigh) that went a on cruise with her mother, aunt and some other older citizens, as well as a movie star.  The movie star was consulting with the FBI agent since he was starring in a movie as an agent.  The mystery swirls around the death of the movie star’s wife.  Who was the murderer? Was is the movie star?  Was it the movie producer?  Was it someone else?  That’s the fun part of reading mysteries – trying to figure out who the murderer is before I finish the book.  I totally didn’t figure this one out before the big reveal!

Raleigh needed a little back-up during this cruise, so in comes Jack.  They previously had a relationship, but since I’ve not read any other books in this series, I don’t know the extent of it but it seems it could have been serious.   They bantered well, back and forth.  You can just tell they are meant for each other.  The finance does complicate things, but the cruise seems to have been a good time of soul searching for Raleigh.

My critical analysis:  The part of the book I didn’t think needed to even be in there was the Alaskan Coroner describing a teenage boy dying from asphyxiation during masturbation with a rope or cord around the neck.  I just think that was way too graphic (I am sorry for the graphic nature of this, but you can see why I’m disturbed by it).  I know it does occur in real life – we hear about it on the news, but in a Christian book, I don’t think it belonged.

There were a few vague references to God.  I am always disappointed  in Christian books that barely talk about God or how God influences the characters’ decisions.    Call me old fashioned, but I like fictional stories that are encouraging in the spiritual side of life.

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.”

Save The Date by Jenny B. Jones

   I’m glad to read a Christian Romance every once in a while.  This story drew me in rather quickly and I enjoyed the read, mostly.  The main characters were both interesting and the banter between them was pretty good.  The struggles and joys they experienced were fit for a novel and predictable in the end, but still fun.  Spiritually, the message was pretty good.  God knows all about us and He wants us to  follow Him, even though we don’t always know where that will take us.  Sometimes choices we make aren’t the “perfect” plan, but God uses it for His glory anyway.  

The ministry of the main character, Lucy, is a very touching ministry that revolves around a place called “Saving Grace.”  It’s a home for girls that are too old for foster care, but too young to really be on their own.  What a wonderful blessing that that place actually exists and I pray for it’s continued ministry to the girls that go through there!

My main dislike about the book was a certain character named Julian.  He was an assistant to another important character in the storyline.  My dislike for him is how feminine he was and how the story doesn’t need someone like that.  I don’t think he was necessary in a Christian book.  If this was a movie, he’d be portrayed as gay.

There were also a lot of references to all kinds of modern day things – Blackberry, Ipad, Gatorade, famous people and music groups.  It will definitely date the book, which could be fun seeing what was “it” at this point in time, but maybe a little annoying, too.  I am, unfortunately, up to date on all the current things, but if you’re not, then these references really would mean nothing to you.

So in my opinion, it was an all right read.  Loved the romance and most of the characters and the story line!  The spiritual message is applicable to anyone that really needs a boost in their walk with God.

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.”

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

   In all honesty, I chose this book because it was one of  two books left to read.  I have never heard of Andy Stanley, but I know who his father is and I really enjoy his father’s preaching, messages and books.  I was in for quite a surprise with this book!  I LOVE it! Pastor Andy Stanley really knows how to explain the grace of God and he goes through the Bible to show where it started and how it continues on each day.  


Pastor Stanley explains what the word grace means in the introduction of the book.  “Grace is the offer of exactly what we do not deserve.”  Then he starts at Creation in Genesis and works through both Old and New Testaments, and even how it is today, showing that we don’t deserve God’s unmerited favor at all.   


In each chapter there are highlighted sentences that really grabbed my attention (as I’m sure they are meant to do) and always made me think about what I had just read.  I love this quote,  ” . . . grace is not reserved for good people; grace underscore the goodness of God.”  (pg. 49)


There are many times in my life where I don’t even think about God’s grace and this book has me focusing more on it and how I ought to be living my life daily.   I have much learning when it comes to applying grace in my own life and to those around me.  I am thankful that God brought this book into my life and I highly recommend it for others to read!  It’s an eye opener and a blessing!  






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.”

Book Review

Anne Bradstreet by D.B. Kellog is from the Christian Encounters series. The name Bradstreet rang a bell somewhere in my head, so I had to pick this book and read it. I’m glad I did! Early American history has been a subject that I’m interested in and I was definitely not disappointed with this book.

Anne had been a sickly child and was sick off and on much of her life, but she accomplished much! She grew up a Puritan and loved the Lord and followed Him all her life. It was her desire to love God and be the best wife and eventually mother that she could be.

A couple years after Anne and Simon were married, they moved to the Massachusetts Bay Colony with a group of Puritans, including Anne’s parents and siblings.

While a sickly child, Anne’s father made sure that his daughter was well educated. In those days that didn’t happen very often and she was indeed blessed by God for a father that saw to her education. Anne wrote poetry and it was beautiful poetry! She had a way with words! The two things I would really love to read by her are “Meditations of Divine and Moral” and “The Tenth Muse.”

In this book I learned about the Puritans and how they thought and believed about things. We think of Puritans as stuffy and I don’t want to ruin it, but I was fascinated by what I learned. A wonderful story about a wonderful woman who was ahead of her time! What a blessing!

My First Product Review!

In July I received an email asking if I would like to try a couple products from ecostoreusa.com. At first I thought it might not be legit, but a friend of mine (that does reviews from time to time on her blog) had done a review on a couple of their products and told me to have fun with it.

The following is MY opinion on the products and what I think about them.

While I don’t exactly subscribe to the whole “green” movement, I’ve been reading up on chemicals in pretty much everything we use daily. Cleaning products, soap, shampoo and the list goes on . . . that have chemicals that may or may not harm us with prolonged exposure. Ecostoreusa.com has a page on “What is Green” and there are interesting links to other articles at the bottom of the page.

These are the products that I chose to use and review.

I absolutely love the Coconut Bar Soap! It laters up nicely and has a soft, subtle coconut scent. Grace (who has sensitive skin) and I have been using it and really like it!

The laundry liquid I used right away. It came on July 29th and I washed 2 small loads, then a large load because I was so curious how it would work. The ingredients to the Laundry Liquid are HERE . I totally loved the eucalyptus smell while the clothes were washing. I washed A LOT of laundry from the 29th of July until August 9th (when I ran out of the laundry liquid). My husband’s one white shirt had a couple stains on it and I applied the Laundry Liquid to the stains and scrubbed, then washed as normal. When it came out of the dryer, those stains were gone! I was quite excited because I had washed the shirt before and the stains hadn’t come out.

For me the drawback is price, especially for the Laundry Liquid. I washed 12 or so loads of laundry with the 16 oz size (large loads mostly) following the directions on the bottle. The bath soap has lasted quite a while and I do like that!

I do appreciate their efforts in creating great, chemical-free products. I believe, as a Christian, that God does want us to be good stewards of all the things He has given us and I do want to be able to keep my family healthy and as chemical free as possible. I’ve enjoyed trying and reviewing Ecostoreusa.com ‘s products.