Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Blogging for Books in exchange for my hoenst thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

Holding Up the Universe is a story about Libby, who was once the fattest teen in America, weighing in at over 600 lbs and had to be fork-lifted out of her house. She's now dropped a lot of that weight, but people still can't seem to see past her body shape to see the girl inside. Still, she braves the worst crowd possible, high schoolers, to start a new school. The book is also about popular guy on campus Jack, who seems to have it all, but who in reality is overcompensating for a debilitating issues he has- he can not recognize faces, not even from his own family. These two meet under what are not the greatest circumstances and then we get to see both of their stories unfold.

Holding Up the Universe for me what a thought provoking novel. It made me have some a-ha moments about my own panic attacks and food issues. Who knew a young adult novel would dig that deep? And even deeper than that to teach us about prosopagnosia, something I had never heard of before I picked up this book, but something that I found profoundly interesting and caused me to have a lot of empathy for Jack. High school is tough for a lot of people, without these huge added issues that these two characters have. It is difficult to see some of the things the other kids say and do, but I think this is a great book for high school aged kids to read to open up a serious discussion about bullying, and about differences. As I read through this book, I thought several times, this will probably be one that ends up banned somewhere (or several somewheres) someday, sadly. I feel like the most compelling books are the ones that are fought against the most. I hope that this book, despite some of it's more controversial content, makes it's way into some high school English classrooms.

A List of Cages by Robin Roe (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian--the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years. Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives. First-time novelist Robin Roe relied on life experience when writing this exquisite, gripping story featuring two lionhearted characters.

My thoughts-

It has been a long time since I read a book that impacted me as much as A List of Cages. At the heart of it, is a strong bond between Adam, a popular boy who takes care of everyone around him and doesn't seem to have a care in the world, and a younger boy, who once was Adam's foster brother, Julian, who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. The book switches narratives between Adam and Julian. I appreciate this style of writing maybe more than any other kind because it gives us more than one perspective and I feel like that always makes for a stronger story. By the end of the novel, I almost felt physically ill at some of the things poor Julian endured, but at the heart of the novel is the friendship between these two unlikely friends. I can not believe this was a debut novel. The writing was stellar, I kept wanting more, the character development was on point and both of those things lead to big feelings to be felt by the reader. I will be on the look out for more from Ms. Roe. If her future novels are anything like A List of Cages, she should have a long, successful career as a novelist ahead of her! 

When Calls the Heart: Complete Season 3

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the box set of dvd's via Edify Media in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About When Calls the Heart-

When Calls the Heart is a television show on the Hallmark Channel based on the writings of Janette Oke that debuted on the Hallmark Channel to more than 3 million viewers, making it the #2 show for the night on all of cable for the primary telecast at 9 p.m and #3 overall in households. The show is about Elizabeth Thatcher, a young high society woman who is now working as a teacher on the western frontier.

My thoughts-

Season 3 has been a great season for When Calls the Heart. The show is all so full of drama, romance, and laughs. I love watching it with my family! It is a rare show on tv these days that is completely appropriate for children that you don't have to watch on edge and worry about needing to turn the channel for any reason. I love that it shows romance in a sweet way. I think that is an important part of the show. When Calls the Heart: Complete Season 3 has all 10 full length episodes full of all but the real reason to get this dvd set is for the special features. There are 3 discs just devoted to special features, including a fun trivia game for Hearties, a slide show and "Hearties Family Reunion". Season 3 brought us two of my favorite moments, Lee and Rosemary's nupitals and Elizabeth meeting Jack's mom! You can purchase your copy on Amazon.com and catch up in time to see the When Calls the Heart Christmas Special, airing Christmas Day, only Hallmark Channel. 

Puppy Pals: Bijou by Susan Hughes (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

The newest adventure in the pawsitively adorable Puppy Pals series!

When three bichon frise puppies are left on the doorstep of Tails Up!, Aunt Jenn asks Kat, Maya, and Grace to look after them and find them new homes. Best of all, they get to choose names for the pups! They pick three French names: Aimée, Chantal, and Bijou.

Calls begin to come in from people interested in adopting the puppies, and Aimée and Chantal are soon placed in loving homes, but Kat worries that nobody will see the playful side of Bijou, the shy puppy. Even worse, Grace is being teased at schoolagain. Can Bijou help end Grace’s conflict and find himself a new home?

My thoughts-

The Puppy Pals series are popular among my third grade daughter's classroom. They love these books, each about a different puppy or two. This was the series that got her out of her "I only read Junie B. Jones" phase, so I am thankful that they allowed her to branch out and try something new. The Puppy Pals books are always cute books, easy to read, but there is usually a lesson in there somewhere. In "Bijou" the lesson is that what you see on the surface with someone isn't always the whole story. I think that is a great lesson for the age group that likes these books and I love how sweet the story about these three puppies that need to be adopted, including sweet, but lonely Bijou, just add to that lesson. I recommend this book for children ages 7-10. Puppy Pals: Bijou will be available February 7, 2017. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.com.

The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan by David Perlmutter, MD (Book Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

The official guide to Dr. David Perlmutter's revolutionary approach to vibrant health as described in his New York Times bestsellers Grain Brain, The Grain Brain Cookbook, and Brain Maker. 

With more than a million copies sold worldwide, Dr. Perlmutter's books have changed many lives. Now, he's created a practical, comprehensive program that lowers the risk for brain ailments while yielding other benefits, such as weight loss, relief from chronic conditions, and total body rejuvenation. Science-based and highly accessible, THE GRAIN BRAIN WHOLE LIFE PLAN expands upon the core advice from Dr. Perlmutter's previous works, and introduces new information about the advantages of eating more fat, fewer carbs, and nurturing the microbiome. Including original recipes, tips and tricks for common challenges, meal plans, and advice on everything from sleep hygiene to stress management, exercise, supplements, and more, THE GRAIN BRAIN WHOLE LIFE PLAN shows how to live happily and healthily ever after.

My thoughts-

Eating gluten free was a piece of the puzzle I figured out for my family a while back, mainly due to my daughter's behavioral problems getting so much better when she doesn't have gluten in her system. We are still working on being 100% gluten free, so reading books like these help me on that journey and help cement the idea that we are on the right path.  I love books like The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan that offer science to back up statements. I also like that this book isn't just about eating habits. It is about the bigger picture. Stress, sleep, exercise, and supplements that will help lead to optimal health are all discussed here. There are also many great recipes to get you started. I read a lot of books about diet and lifestyle and I think each one offers at least a little bit of good advice on how to become healthier or start down a healthier road, but I feel like The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan is a great place to start and may be the only book necessary to begin a journey to better health.

Skinnytaste Fast and Slow by Gina Homolka (Cookbook Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Blogging for Books in  exchange for my honest thoughts. I  was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

80+ Under 30 Minute Dishes and 60 Slow Cooker Recipes

The easiest, tastiest, most convenient healthy recipes—ever!

With Skinnytaste Fast and Slow, you can get a nutritious, flavor-packed, figure-friendly meal—complete with a flourless chocolate brownie made in a slow cooker—on the table any night of the week. Gina Homolka, founder of the widely adored blog Skinnytaste, shares 140 dishes that come together in a snap—whether in a slow cooker or in the oven or on the stovetop. Favorites include:
 
Slow Cooker
Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Korean-Style Beef Tacos
Spicy Harissa Lamb Ragu
Peach-Strawberry Crumble
 
Under 30 Minutes
Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Feta
Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups
Grilled Cheese with Havarti, Brussels Sprouts, and Apple 
Cauliflower “Fried” Rice
 
Each recipe includes nutritional information, which can help you take steps toward weight and health goals, and many dishes are vegetarian, gluten-free, and freezer-friendly—all called out with helpful icons. Gina’s practical advice for eating well and 120 color photos round out this indispensable cookbook.

About the book-

The first Skinnytaste cookbook is one that I utilize often in my kitchen, so I was excited to see that there was a new one that utilized different cooking methods. The book is full of beautiful pictures and filled to the brim with all kinds of tasty recipes sure to please your palette and save you time. The best thing about slow cooking and also about quick to throw together recipes is that it saves you time to devote to other things in your day and you still get delicious food to eat out of the deal! I love that the book includes several different types of diet friendly recipes, particularly I am glad to see gluten free recipes since those are the kind of recipes I am looking for. Skinnytaste Fast and Slow is a cookbook for anyone who wants to eat well, but doesn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. 

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

First Series from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen!
The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn. 

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

My thoughts-

I am a huge fan of Mrs. Klassen, she has written some of my favorite books. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill isn't her usual fare. It's still historical fiction, but not the regency era stuff I typically clamor after. Maybe because of that, I had a hard time getting interested in the characters in this novel or the over all story. The writing was still great, it just didn't resonate with me personally. I still can't wait to see what is next in this series, and I am so excited that Julie Klassen even decided to write a series because she is wonderful at character development and I think that will really shine in this format of work. I recommend the Inn Keeper of Ivy Hill to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Scentsy FLASH SALE 11/16/16 50-80% off!

At 9 am Pacific time (11 central) Scentsy will be having a BLOW OUT sale ! Up to 80% off! Set your timers and go get your deeply discountedScentsy today! These products will go fast!

Select buddies will also be buy one get one free. That includes scent paks for both buddies! Get those kids marked off your Christmas lists!! 

Oh, Ick by Joy Masoff (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

My thoughts-

This is the exact kind of book my kids are always asking for. They love hands on science experiments and learning how things work and getting messy every now and then. I love books like these too, that make learning fun! Oh, Ick covers all of the different faucets of science and offers many great ways for kids to fall in love with science. This would be a great resource for science fairs!

Gluten-Free Small Bites by Nicole Hunn (Cookbook Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Small bites aren't just for fancy parties with twee hors d'oeuvres (and no small children in sight). Gluten-free guru Nicole Hunn shares recipes for portable foods fitting every imaginable occasion—mini quiche for your book club, crispy coconut shrimp for the office potluck, and handheld chicken pot pies the kids can devour on-the-go. Complete with bite-size sweets—mini éclairs, little apple pies—that no one can resist, Gluten-Free Small Biteshas a recipe for every occasion—spicy or sweet, vegetarian or meaty, fancy or kid-friendly.

My thoughts-

We are still pretty new to the gluten free lifestyle. Our basic game plan is basically just to avoid everything other than fruit, vegetables, or meat for the most part, but we have definitely been missing out on some of our old favorites. Now that we are getting more used to it, we are ready to add more things in. Gluten Free Small Bites is a fantastic book for all of your favorite party foods! Most of these foods would also make excellent lunchbox additions which I know my kids will be so excited about! There are only so many times one can eat sushi, nachos, soup or salad for lunch. Gluten-Free Small Bites will allow me to give my kids some of the foods that they have been missing since we changed our eating habits! Pot pies, gyros, burritos, tacos, quiches, and so much more. I am so excited to have a book with so many fun recipes in it! 

Love, Alice by Barbara Davis (Book Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

From the author of Summer at Hideaway Key comes a sweeping new Southern women's fiction novel about forgiving the past one letter at a time...
 
The truth lies between the lines...
 
A year ago, Dovie Larkin's life was shattered when her fiancé committed suicide just weeks before their wedding. Now, plagued by guilt, she has become a fixture at the cemetery where William is buried, visiting his grave daily, waiting for answers she knows will never come. 
 
Then one day, she sees an old woman whose grief mirrors her own. Fascinated, she watches the woman leave a letter on a nearby grave. Dovie ignores her conscience and reads the letter—a mother's plea for forgiveness to her dead daughter—and immediately needs to know the rest of the story. 
 
As she delves deeper, a collection of letters from the cemetery's lost and found  begins to unravel a decades-old mystery involving one of Charleston's wealthiest families. But even as Dovie seeks to answer questions about another woman's past—questions filled with deception, betrayal, and heartbreaking loss—she starts to discover the keys to love, forgiveness, and finally embracing the future…

About the book-

I love books with dual time lines. I think it adds to the overall depth of the book to have two sets of characters, especially when it comes time to interweave the two story lines. This was my first Barbara Davis book, but I absolutely loved how effortlessly she jumped from Alice's timeline to Dovie's. Love, Alice is a book about loss and grief and new beginnings. It was full of drama, and full of surprises. My favorite aspect of the book were the letters from Alice to her little one. They really help take the book to another level and help us understand Alice and what happened with her, her child, and her mother. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction with a touch of historical fiction and who do not mind heavy subject matter.

Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis Book Review + Giveaway

 * Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Flyby Promotions in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

A new picture book about the Nativity of Jesus, with a lively cumulative story structure.

This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept. From here, the story builds with each spread, adding a new element and explaining the relationships among the participants in and witnesses to the first Christmas. From Jesus sleeping sweetly to the wise men bringing gifts, this charming book reminds readers of the joyous event we celebrate at Christmastime. Children will love the charming illustrations and the engaging repetition in this Nativity tale. Ages 4-7.

My thoughts-

The first thing that grabbed my attention about Where Jesus Slept is the gorgeous cover. I loved the similar artwork throughout the book. I love books written in this particular style for pre-school and young school age readers. Each page building on the previous page and the repetition cumulative stories create using this pattern are great tools for kids this age to work on their reading skills. 

This book is a great way to introduce or remind your children of the story of the birth of Jesus and all of the events that took place in the days leading up to his birth, the tale of the Nativity. I think this would be a great book to wrap and place under the tree to be opened and read as a family Christmas eve. I recommend this book to anyone who has young children.

Enter below for your chance to win a copy of the book!

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An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray Blog Tour + Book Review

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Litfuse Group in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles—and love.

Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Newly returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi is trying to fit into his old life, only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.

But when Julia, his young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, Levi finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a job Levi takes personally. Soon enough, friendship grows into attraction, but Levi can’t help having doubts. There’s something about Julia that doesn’t ring quite true…

Like Levi, Julia Kemps has survived her fair share of hardships—but only by hiding the truth of her past. Being an unmarried mother in an Amish community was unthinkable. Feeling hopeless, Julia did the only thing she could do: she moved to a new town and pretended to be a widow. But meeting Levi, she’s hopeful for the first time. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret, and eventually…perhaps even sharing her life with him.

Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together…in order to find the healing, support and love they so desperately desire.

My thoughts-

When October rolls around, it is time to start doing some holiday reading! I am glad that An Amish Family Christmas was my first Christmas book to kick off the season. It was a sweet book with familiar characters and a quick read- I read it all in one setting on a quiet and lazy Saturday afternoon. What I really love about the characters in Shelley Shepard Gray's Charmed Amish Life Series is that the characters are heavily flawed. It makes the stories seem more true to life and makes the characters more relateable. I was glad to get to know Levi better in this book and I loved that there was a strong woman character in Julia. Watching their story unfold was interesting and enjoyable. This was a quick, romantic read. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction.  

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dYRwqr

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

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A Sister's Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray Blog Review + Book Tour

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book  from  the publisher via Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.

Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman—at least according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she’s also harboring a secret: She’s been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he’s about as far from “perfect” as an Amish man could get… but that’s exactly why she’s so drawn to him.

Life hasn’t been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he’s determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past…unless it pertains to Amelia.

He’s loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother Lukas—who just happens to be Simon’s best friend—has made it perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he’s the only one who can truly make her happy. 

But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future together—and face their past mistakes. There’s a chance for love… but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.

My thoughts-

A Sister's Wish is about Amelia, a nice Amish girl who has fallen for a bad boy! He is Amish too, but has a bit of shady past. I enjoyed this element of the book. I think sometimes we in the outside world view the Amish as almost perfect in some ways and it is true that everyone has their issues, maybe not to Simon's degree but it is definitely possible. Simon dotes on Amelia and I love it. It was interesting to see him interact with his siblings, who have both left the Amish world, and it was also nice to see Amelia come into her own and stand up for herself. She seems to be treated almost as Cinderella was by her step mother and sisters, expected to do everything, but treated not so well. Her family didn't treat her badly necessarily, but definitely like a child that she is not and they do not appreciate her as they should. This was a great book about forgiveness and with some emotionally heavy content. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dYRwqr

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 

Dead Girl's Society by Michelle Krys (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

A slick thriller from the author of HEXED, perfect for fans of THE CELLAR by Natasha Preston and PANIC by Lauren Oliver.

You are cordially invited to participate in a game of thrills and dares. Tell no one, and come alone. If you dare.
Hope is sick of everyone treating her like she's breakable. Sure, she has cystic fibrosis (basically really bad lungs), but she's tired of being babied by her mom and her overprotective best friend, Ethan, not to mention worrying about paying for her expensive medication and how she's going to afford college.And she's bored with life in her run-down New Orleans suburb. 

When an invitation arrives from a mysterious group that calls itself the Society, Hope jumps at the chance for some excitement. This could be her ticket out. All she has to do is complete a few dares and she just might win some real money. 
But the Society isn't all that it seems . . . and soon Hope finds that playing the game isn't a choice—it's a requirement.

My thoughts-

This was the perfect book to read the week before Halloween! Young Adult is always a fast and fun genre for me, but this one also had the added element of suspense. At the beginning of the book I didn't think it was all that scary or gory, but towards the end, although brief, there were definitely a few of those elements there. This was the obvious high school drama, boys and cliques, and thoughts of not fitting in anywhere, but there is also a sick girl thrown into this situation with several girls she doesn't know, sneaking out of her house to complete these dares that even a completely healthy person shouldn't be doing. I think that added to the suspense element a bit, but felt it was a little unrealistic that she wouldn't be sicker from a few of them. I always like trying to figure out what is going on in stories like these and the whole "whodunit" feel of the thing.  I think that anyone who enjoys suspense or YA will think the Dead Girl's Society is a good page turning thriller.

The Dead Girl's Society will be available November 8, 2016. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.com

The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen Illustrated by Sanna Annukka (Book Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Gorgeously packaged with intricate illustrations from Finnish illustrator, Sanna Annukka, this new edition of Hans Christian Andersen's well-loved fairy tale, The Snow Queen, is the perfect holiday gift for adults and children alike.

Hans Christian Andersen's magical tale of friendship and adventure is retold through the beautiful and intricate illustrations of Finnish illustrator Sanna Annukka. Cloth-bound in deep blue, with silver foil embellishments, The Snow Queen is elevated from a children's book to a unique work of art. It is an ideal gift for people of all ages.


My thoughts-

I am a sucker for cloth-bound books so I was in love with this the minute I saw it. I think it is important to have old classics around because I enjoy them and also because I feel like these are the types of books I want to have on my bookshelves for my kids to read. This is an abridged version of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, a collection of 7 stories about the ice queen. The biggest draw of this version of the book are the beautiful illustrations. Bold colors and intricate patterns bring to the stories to life in a whimsical fashion. The edition of The Snow Queen would make a perfect gift for the young and the young at heart!

Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti (Book Review)

Disclosure of material of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Alexis Blake set out to restore a neglected building. What she didn't expect was to restore a life...
Alexis Blake has one chance to land her own show on the Heart and Home Network and nothing—not an uncooperative client, a job site without indoor plumbing, or a challenging videographer—is going to stand in her way. Elsie, at seventy-plus, is far from the ideal client, but she knows exactly what she wants her fieldstone house to look like, and no designer can tell her otherwise. Gabe Langley, the man with the camera, is caught in the middle and it is his wisdom and warmth that just may be the bridge that will bring these two women together. Can they restore more than just a house and save Christmas memories from being lost forever?

My thoughts-

Something about October always has me ready to start reading Christmas themed novels to get in the holiday. I love everything about the holiday season, including Halloween and Thanksgiving, the fall and winter weather, all of the carnivals and pumpkin patches and fun, but Christmas is the big celebration at the end that all of the rest lead up to. Restoring Christmas is the second Christmas themed novella I have read already this year and it was exactly the type of book I love to get me in the  holiday spirit. Right away I could tell I was going to be head over heels for Gabe. He is charming AND funny, two of my top criteria for an attractive and all around good guy, and for me a good romance is a essential part of a great Christmas feel good story. It's such a romantic time of year! I also liked the main element of the book being about fixing up a house for someone who doesn't even want it, it makes for some great tension and gives us a good story to want more from. Alexis is a likable character who you cheer for because you can tell she has a good heart and her intentions are good. I loved seeing her interact with Gabe as they got to know each other as designer and cameraman, and as people. I recommend Restoring Christmas to anyone who enjoys a good seasonal story about hope, love, and kindness. 

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The Compassionate Chick's Guide to Beauty by Sunny Subramanian & Chrystie Fiedler

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Part DIY vegan beauty how-to, part cookbook, and part self-improvement manifesto, The Compassionate Chick's Guide to DIY Beauty showcases non-toxic, rejuvenating and restorative skin care and beauty products that you can whip up in your kitchen with simple ingredients for pennies per treatment.

My thoughts

When I was pregnant with my first baby in 2007, I really started reading labels and became concerned with a lot of products on the market- food products, cleaners, and especially makeup products which don't seem to be regulated at all. While the makeup industry has come a long way in the last ten years offering more naturally based makeup than ever, those makeup and bath and body products can be quite pricey. Sometimes making these things at home is even easier than people might think and way more cost effective than trying to buy them all from higher end stores. What I love about The Compassionate Chick's Guide to DIY Beauty is that not only are these products safe for us they are vegan so they haven't harmed any other creatures to be made. There is also a great guide at the beginning about why it is unnecessary to test on animals and another great guide that explains many of the bad chemicals and ingredients in traditional beauty products. There are recipes for everything from body washes to muscle pain relief oil, to liquid foundation, several face masks, body washes, body lotions, and even an entire section on hair care products. Many of these recipes require things you already have in your pantry or fridge, but the ones that utilize harder to find ingredients can be found at a Whole Foods or other natural grocery store, or even on Amazon. I have plans to make several of the recipes from the book to give out with my Christmas gifts this year. 

Classic German Baking by Luisa Wiess (Cookbook Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

A collection of 100 quintessential German recipes for sweets and breads from the creator of The Wednesday Chef blog and author of the memoir, My Berlin Kitchen, including stories from the author's experience of living and baking in Berlin. 

German baking is legendary and informs baking traditions the world over: Christmas cookies, coffee cakes, delicate tortes, soft seeded rolls, and hearty dumplings all have their origins in Germany (and Austria). In Classic German Baking, blogger and author Luisa Weiss--who was born in Berlin to an Italian mother and American father, and married into a family of bakers with roots in Saxony--has collected and mastered the recipes most essential to every good baker's repertoire. In addition to the pillars of the German baking tradition, like Christmas stollen, lebkuchen, and apple strudel, Weiss includes overlooked gems, like eisenbahner--an almond macaroon paste piped onto jam-topped shortbread--and rosinenbrötchen--the raisin-studded whole wheat buns that please a child's palate and a parent's conscience--to create the resource that bakers across the world have long wanted.

My thoughts-

When I was a small child, my mother was a single mom with two very young kids, working two jobs trying to support our little family. That often left me at my great grandmother's house which was like a second home to me. My great grandmother's mother was German and that influenced who she was and definitely how she cooked. When I think about the ancestry of my family, with all of it's many European origins, I always feel like I connect with being German much more than the many other faucets of my background. My great grandma was always in her kitchen cooking, and I was always at her feet. She didn't really use recipes, so trying to recreate her dishes is next to impossible without her here anymore to call and ask, so I was excited to see Classic German Baking. I knew this would be a book I would definitely utilize in my kitchen, especially during the holidays! German sweets make me think of Christmas, we make lebukuchen (gingerbread) for Santa every year at our house. There are great recipes for all kinds of cakes, cookies, buns, struesels, and cakes. My only worry with this book is that I am going to gain 10 pounds just looking at these recipes! I recommend this book to anyone who likes to bake, some of these recipes will seem familiar, others will be a great new delight to add to your repertoire. 

More Than Magic by Kathryn Lasky (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Girls who enjoy spunky heroines such as Merida from Brave (Disney/Pixar) and Ella from Ella Enchanted will want to join Rory and Ryder in their adventures in our world—and the world beyond the TV. An exciting new middle-grade fantasy from Kathryn Lasky, bestselling author of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series. 
 
Ryder Holmsby is the same age as Rory, the popular TV cartoon character her animator parents created. Ryder and Rory are alike—bold and brave! But Ryder is a bit lonely: Mom passed away a couple of years ago, and Dad is dating a woman with snooty teenage daughters. Ryder doesn't fit in with them at all. 
 
And then: Shazam! Rory jumps out of the TV into Ryder's bedroom to tell her that the TV studio behind her parents' show is trying to turn Rory into a dopey princess—no more adventures. She needs Ryder's help! The two girls team up with a crew of animated and real-life friends to save the day in both worlds.
 
Kathryn Lasky, bestselling author of the Guardians of Ga'hoole series, the Wolves of the Beyond series, and the Horses of the Dawn series, delivers a whimsical tale in which inner strength is the greatest form of magic.

My thoughts-

I was drawn to More Than Magic because I liked the title and the cover intrigued me. I love discovering books my kids can read with characters they can relate to. My kids have not gone through anything as traumatic as the death of a parent or a divorce, but I think any kid can relate to feeling like they don't fit in. Even in adult fiction, I tend to gravitate towards stories that have at least a touch of fantasy to them, so I really loved the intertwining of Ryder's story with Rory, the cartoon character her mother created before her death. In my head I could see how Ryder was jumping into the screen and turning into a cartoon herself when she goes on adventures in Rory's world. That is such a fun concept for a middle grade book! I recommend this book to older elementary aged kids and younger middle school aged kids or to the young at heart. It was a fun tale filled with hope and magic.