Book Review: When the Soul Mends

I received the book When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall for review from Water Brook Publishing. This is actually the third book in the Sisters of the Quilt series. I really wish I had read the first two books prior to reading this. Even though it back tracks enough to know what is going on in the book, I think I would have enjoyed the book more having had the character development in the first two books! So much happened in the first two books that I felt I missed out by not having read them first. I love Hannah's character - her compassion and love for her sister. Even though Hannah is former Old Order Amish, her tragic rape and the healing that has to occur is something that any woman who has been violated in that way will be able to relate to. She deals with so many real life issues throughout the book that so many women in our society are having to face daily, including trying to help her mentally unstable sister, dealing with her own hurtful past, tension with her father, and mending relationships with old loves. I would recommend that readers start with book one! :) As always, Cindy Woodsmall does a great job sharing the live style of the Amish. I would rate this book a 3/5 stars.

Book Review: Princess Stories

I received the book Princess Stories by Carolyn Larsen for review from Tyndale Publishing. This is no ordinary fairy tail. This is devotional style story book of many of the important female characters from the Bible. Each story (devotional) lists the character name, the Biblical references, a very cute poem mimicking the mirror mirror on the wall poem, an explanation of the princesses' lives and their role in the Bible, as well as a Bible verse that reflects the theme of their lives. Each devotion also includes a "Princess Ponderings" which includes questions to discuss with your little ones.

Over all, this is a very cute book. The only thing I think some people may have issues with is the illustrations. All of the princesses look like Barbies with different hair. I don't have an issue with the Barbie look-a-likes and would recommend this book for all the little princesses.

Book Review: Love & War

I received the book Love & War by John and Stasi Eldredge for review from Water Brook Publishing for review. I had heard a lot about this book prior to getting this book. We actually read the devotional before reading the actual book. I encourage all couples to read Love & War first, and then read the devotional together. It's amazing what you can learn about your own marriage by reading about this couple's real life marriage. I love how honest and open they are with their readers. It points out the reality of how difficult marriage is and how to make it work. All couples thinking about marriage should take the time to read this and the devotional. They include humor, Biblical truth, and personal experiences in this book to give you the hope and encouragement one make you want to fight for your marriage!

Book Review: A Woman's Guide to Fasting

I received the book A Woman's Guide to Fasting from Bethany House Publishing for review. I absolutely loved the book! I wish I had read it prior to trying to do a 21 day Daniel Fast. Lisa Nelson does a great describing her experiences with various types of faster, from 1 day to 40 day fasts. She describes no food, liquids only, Daniel fast, and other modifications she has incorporated. Fasting isn't just about the food, or lack there of, but also the spiritual aspect of fasting as well. I really enjoyed Lisa Nelson's voice and practical advice. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interesting in learning more about how to fast. I will definitely try again in the future using the tips provided in this book.

Book Review: December 1941

I received December 1941 by Craig Shirley for review from booksneeze.com. I requested this book specifically because I knew my father would love this book! Being a huge history buff and the fact that I live 20 minutes from Pearl Harbor... this is the perfect Christmas gift for him. Each chapter covers a day for the whole month of December and recalls all the events, both political and social events that occurred each day. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys history books!

Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Pudding Dessert

Last week, I went to a bbq and we had this amazing dessert... and I just had to make it for my husband!

I found it on yummly!

http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Peanut-Butter-Chocolate-Dessert-Food_com-110256

20 chocolate sandwich cookies (cream filled, divided) 2 tbsps butter (margarine melted) 8 ozs cream cheese (softened) 12 cup peanut butter cups 1 12 cups powdered sugar (divided)

16 ozs cool whip (carton cool whip thawed and divided) 15 miniature peanut butter cups (chopped) 1 cup milk (cold) 4 ozs instant pudding mix (chocolate fudge)

1	Put 16 cookies in a heavy duty zip-lock bag and crush (I use a rolling pin).
2	Pour crumbs into a bowl; add butter and toss to coat.
3	Press crumb mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch square dish.
4	In a bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth.
5	Fold in half of the Cool Whip.
6	Spread over crust.
7	Sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups.
8	In another bowl, beat the milk, pudding mix and remaining powdered sugar on low for 2 minutes.
9	Fold in the rest of the Cool whip.
10	Spread over the peanut butter cups.
11	Crush the remaining cookies and sprinkle over the top.
12	Cover and chill for at least 3 hours. The only changes I made was I skipped the 3/4 cup of powdered sugar in the chocolate pudding mixture. I also sprinkled half of the pb cups on top along with the crushed oreos! It was perfect! I also served this frozen. Turned out just like ice cream cake! This is a definite keeper!! I did choose to use all fat free/reduced fat items... so it was a bit healthier! :) Enjoy!!!

Book Review: The Jesus Experience

I received the book The Jesus Experiment by Bill Perkins from Tyndale Publishing for review. Bill Perkins is a very open about the struggles he faced, and still faces when it comes to living a life like Jesus. This book is a 12-week "experiment" to see how you can transform your own life to be more like Jesus. The book covers the main concepts: What Jesus Did in Private, What Jesus Did in Public, and What Jesus did with People. The book is broken down to 1 chapter a week. I really liked Bill Perkins' set of questions he asks in all situations:

1. How would Jesus feel in this situation?

2. What would Jesus think in this situation?

3. What would Jesus say in this situation?

4. What would Jesus do in this situation?

5. How do I feel in this situation?

6. What am I thinking in this situation?

7. What am I saying in this situation?

8. What am I doing in this situation?

I really liked the examples he gave of both his own experiences and within the Bible. He also includes a set of questions at the end of each chapter. I would recommend this book as a study tool for small groups. It would be a lot more fun to have people to discuss these concepts with, instead of doing the experiment alone. :)