How Not to Be a Messie from Sandra Felton

I recently read The Messies Manual by Sandra Felton. The best thing I learned from this book is that the difference between a poor or a good house keeper is that when they walk by a little mess or thing to clean, the cleanie does it then instead of procrastinating. I've worked on that more recently and I think it's making a difference! She also suggests making a goal, then going room to room, cleaning out extra stuff, and eventually you'll have the skills to maintain a clean house.

Now I'm just trying to remember, "Our houses look the way they do because we give them permission to look that way!"

Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge

I read this book a month ago but I've been behind on my blogging to say the least! This book was lovely. I received a free copy of Captivating to review from BookSneeze and I'm glad I did- I wouldn't have bought it but feel enriched having read it. The premise of women as wonderful, special daughters of God is refreshing and enjoyable. Although my person beliefs aren't quite the same as the authors, I loved how clearly they described Christ waiting at the gate- just waiting for us to come unto Him. I also found myself agreeing with their ideas of what women want from men and our innate, God-given differences. This was uplifting and inspiring- a great read.

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go by Lucille ONeal

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book after I saw it on BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson provided it to me for review). Written by Shaquille ONeal's mother, it chronicles her life in her own words. This was a quick and easy read- I was happy to pick it up and see what would happen next. Lucille wrote very candidly and did a great job conveying her feelings about growing up in difficult circumstances, becoming an unwed teen mother, and eventually having a very famous son. Although my faith is a little different than hers I liked learning about her beliefs and how they saw her through difficult times. I loved when she talked about dressing up her baby doll little boy and found myself identifying with her a lot (particularly as a very tall woman!) This uplifting book left me feeling positive and proud of her for accomplishing so much. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't focus only on Shaq but on how he changed her life for the better. I've already recommended this to my husband and mom and know others will like it, too.

The Actor and the Housewife

Oh I absolutely loved this book by Shannon Hale! It's the first I've read from her, although I've heard many many glowing recommendations. You can bet I'm going to beg, borrow, and steal the rest of her stuff as soon as I can, though. This book was entertaining, enjoyable, real, and uplifting. I laughed, cried, and almost peed my pants laughing at some of the pregnancy/kid humor. It was fun to imagine myself in the same situations since Becky Jack's life was so close to my own (minus the writer bit- I'm no writer!) So read it- it's quick moving and wonderful. Only glowing recommendations on this one, really.

These Is My Words

A couple years ago These Is My Words was the Arizona book of the year. The program was designed to encourage everyone in the state to read the same book so you could learn a little more about the state and have something in common with your neighbors (I think). My mom had told me to read it long before but I hadn't yet, but after attending a reading and book signing by the author, Nancy Turner, I jumped right in.

This book is inspiring, entertaining, and based on a true story. It's wonderful (so are the sequels, though of course I loved this one the best!) I loved watching the character learn and grow and truly felt inspired by her strength and hard work in every situation.

Read and Share- the Story of Easter by Gwen Ellis

I just received a complimentary copy of Gwen Ellis' Read and Share- the Story of Easter from BookSneeze to review. I signed up for this particular book because it looked appropriate for my three year old son and I've wanted to teach him the really meaning of Easter and Jesus Christ's ministry. This book is illustrated by Steve Smallman and has nice, age appropriate pictures. The writing is very easy to follow and understand- I think it would be appropriate for preschool through elementary age children. My son also liked the DVD with so many great bible stories, but I preferred reading it to him so we had a chance to talk about the beautiful message. My favorite part of this book was the "you can retell the story" pictures at the end of the book. My son loved telling me what happened and I loved seeing how much he had learned. This book was a great and I look forward to reading it again and again with my children.

Here Be Dragons

 

This is the best book I've read since I graduated from college. It's probably one of my favorite books I've ever read, actually. It's engaging, exciting, romantic, and *gasp* educational. Set in England and Wales during the rein of King John, Sharon Kay Penman will make you fall in love with Llewelyn in a heart beat. Really, I read this while I was pregnant and honestly tried to convince my husband we should name our son Llewelyn. He just thought I was crazy pregnant but if we actually had any Welsh ancestry I think my son might have it for a middle name at least! As it it we did give both of our kids good British names that I grew to love after reading her books. Read it now. Really.