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Review: NLT Slimline Tween Bible

01 Sunday May 2016

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

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NLT, review, Slimline Bible, Tyndale House

slimline bible

 

I really like this new Guys Slimline Bible from Tyndale House Publishers! My oldest son has outgrown his childhood Bible that was full of pictures and loud colors. (not to mention his old Bible is a brick and too large to carry anywhere.)

There are a few features of this Bible that make it perfect for a guy who has grown up a bit. First, it is the New Living Translation. NLT is by far my favorite translation, especially for young readers. It is easy to understand and is simply and modern English translation of the original text. Secondly, this is a simple Bible, without any commentary or extras. Study Bibles have their place, but for day to day use this size is ideal. This Bible does contain a concordance, maps, a year long reading plan and a list of helpful verses to memorize categorized by subject matter.

I find the cover of this Bible perfect. (The cover feels like leather, but is not actual leather.) It is a bright blue chevron on a dark gray background. This is a Bible my son will not outgrow. He will be able to carry it for years to come. My favorite feature of this Bible is the verse inside the front cover.  “My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me” Psalm 62:7.  What a fantastic verse for a young man!

If I were to put an age appropriateness on this Bible, I would give a range of 10- life. The packaging labels the Bible for Tweens. This Bible would make a great gift for a young man who is moving past childish things. I was given a complimentary copy of this Bible by its publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

Fresh, Wonderful, a New Pantry Staple!

23 Monday Mar 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Favorites, Food, Reviewed Books

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Cookbook, Daniel Fast Recipe, Food Network, Meal Planning, Melissa d'Arabian, review, Supermarket Healthy, Warm White Bean and Sage Dip

SuperMarket Healthy

ABOUT THE BOOK

Food Network star and New York Times bestselling author Melissa d’Arabian proves that healthy eating at home is easy, achievable, and affordable.

Everyone wants to feel good about what they are eating, serving guests, and feeding their families, but most of us don’t do our weekly shopping at pricey specialty stores– we do it at the local supermarket and we don’t want it to break the bank. In her second book, Melissa demystifies the task of preparing nutritious and delicious food by showing exactly how you can make your grocery store work for you. She offers helpful strategies for shopping, cooking, and entertaining, as well as meal blueprints and nutritional information throughout. This book will make you confident about the food you’re buying, preparing, and eating. Delicious recipes like Almond Waffles with Raspberry-Basil Sauce, Kale and White Bean Caesar Salad in a Jar, Slow-Roasted Tomato Spaghettini, Flatiron Steaks with Quick Cauliflower Kimchi, and Flourless Fudgy Dream Cookies have something for every type of eater at every meal of the day. No matter your favorite flavors or dietary needs, cooking on a budget is empowering– and now you can learn how to make every bite count. If cooking at home is the key to healthy living, Supermarket Healthy is the only tool you’ll need.

MY REVIEW 

There are cookbooks, and then there are cookbooks you keep. This one is a keeper, especially if you strive to feed you family good, healthy food…but find yourself in a rut.  The day my copy of Supermarket Healthy arrived, I found myself dog-earing recipes and getting super excited about menu planning. And then I realized I had agreed to participate in the Daniel Fast with my husband for the next three weeks. Luckily, there is something for everyone in Supermarket Healthy. In the section offering snack options, Melissa d’Arabian gives the recipe for a Warm White Bean and Sage Dip. I just happened to have everything on hand and in just a few minutes I had a delicious and healthy Daniel Fast appropriate dip.

I love this cookbook for many reasons, but mostly for Melissa’s fresh take on food and the diversity of offerings. I am so excited to make her Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken, Deconstructed Lasagna, Pomegranate Squash, Apples and Arugula, and her Pork and Rice Noodle Pho. For the home cook, this book is so practical. There are no overly complicated recipes, and I am confident I can make any recipe in the book. Further, I am pretty sure my kids will eat most of it. I thought of using this book as a gift to a friend (shameless I know) but I want to keep it for myself! I love it.

Another awesome feature of this book is the blue prints created by Melissa to create melts, skillet-glazed vegetables, trail-mix, and salad in a jar to name a few. The beauty of each blue print is that Melissa has done the work for you. It’s like you are standing in line at Chipotle, and you just need to work the list. These are so great for meal planning and grocery list making.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Melissa d’Arabian was a corporate finance executive before becoming the host of Food Network’s Ten Dollar Dinners and Cooking Channel’s Drop 5 Lbs with Good Housekeeping. She also developed the FoodNetwork.com seriesThe Picky Eaters Project, serves as lead judge on Guy’s Grocery Games, and is the author of the New York Times bestselling cookbook Ten Dollar Dinners. Melissa has an MBA from Georgetown University, and lives with her husband and their four daughters in San Diego.

WARM WHITE BEAN AND SAGE DIP

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons plus 2 Teaspoons Olive Oil

1 Clove Garlic, Finely Chopped

Pinch of Red Pepper Flake

7 Fresh Sage Leaves

1 1/2 Cups Cannellini Beans

1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt

1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

3 Tablespoons Low-Sodium Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth, or Water

Sliced Baguette or Crackers, or Vegetable Sticks

(My paraphrased directions)

 Heat oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Add garlic until it begins to become aromatic. (1-2 minutes)  Add red pepper flake, and then sage. Cook until sage is crisp but not brown. (2-3 minutes) Pull out a few sage Leaves to use as a garnish.  Add beans, salt, and pepper and cook until beans are soft. (3-5 minutes)

image-3

Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Next, transfer the contents of the skillet to a food processor.

image-4

Add broth, and remaining oil. Process until creamy. Top with the sage leaves you removed earlier. (I just left it all in and pulsed away.) I was too starving to be fancy. In fact, I forgot to take a picture of the final result until after I had started chowing down.

image-5

This really was a very satisfying snack. I baked a few corn tortillas to use instead of crackers and before I knew it, I had an empty bowl.

JUST SO YOU KNOW

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: At Home In Last Chance

26 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

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At Home In Last Chance, Cathleen Armstrong, review

Last Chance

 

At Home In Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong is the third book in a series, A Place to Call Home. While each novel includes characters from prior books, this book stands alone. I did not feel like I was lost at all, in fact I actually did not realize it was series until I had finished it.

From the back cover:

Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life:when the going gets tough, they get going-out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over.

Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don’t even trust themselves?

There are several things I really liked about this book. I loved the idea of a cafe called the Dip ‘N’ Dine and the character Juanita Sheppard who waitresses there. We all know a Juanita and I thought Cathleen Armstrong did an excellent job of evoking an emotion from me just by Juanita being present. I worked with a Juanita once…it wasn’t my favorite job. I also appreciate the slow development of relationship between characters. I am never a fan of “hello, my name is, will you marry me,” books. There is no love at first sight happening in this book. Apparently, the characters from the last book in this series are just getting serious about marriage in this novel. However, like a small town sometimes feels…this particular book was a little slow for me. On the bright side, it was perfect for breaking up the monotony of books I have been reading.

While At Home In Last Chance will not make my top 10 list this year, after reading it I would be interested in reading more by Cathleen Armstrong. I will likely pass my copy on to a friend for their enjoyment. I give this book 3.5 stars for its small town feel, real people, and life-like relationships. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher, Revell, in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Home Is Where My People Are

25 Sunday Jan 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

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A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet, Book Review, free ebook, Home Is Where My People Are, review, Sophie Hudson

Home 5

 

Home Is Where My People Are by Sophie Hudson totally surprised me in so many ways. Once again, I picked a book by its cover. Who does that? Well, I do. The cover is gorgeous and I want a giant canvas of it to hang in my kitchen. The surprise came when I discovered the book was in fact a memoir. I really thought this book was some Christian Living, appreciate what you have, make your home where you are kind of book. It is not! Home Is Where My People Are is a delightful story that will make you laugh, cry, and annoy your spouse as you read it aloud to him while he is watching a football game!

From the back cover:

Listen. It’s easy to go through life believing we can satisfy our longing for home with a three-bedroom, two-bath slice of the American dream, that we mortgage at 4 percent and pay for over the course of thirty years.

Well, you know what? I think what we’re really looking for is a place to belong and to be known. And rest assured, wherever we are on the long and winding road of life, God is at work in the journey-teaching us, shaping us, and refining us-sometimes through the most unlikely people and circumstances. Because at the end of the day, it’s not the numbers on the front door or even the name on the mailbox that says home, but the people who live and laugh and love there, wherever “there” might happen to be.

As author Sophie Hudson walks down memory lane, I found myself doing the same. Through her personal stories, I remembered some of my own. Especially, her stories of college friends turned life-long family. I love Sophie Hudson’s honest and conversational style of penning words. I have never seen so many parenthesis in all my reading life! Her inner dialogue makes this book personal…and hilarious. I could relate to this book on so many levels! While I never wore sweater pants (see chapter 14) I did grow up in the south and these stories so closely mirror my own experiences.  Even if you grew up in California, this story will touch your heart. Five stars from this book blogger!!

The first chapter of this book can be found and downloaded here. You can also find Sophie on her blog, boomama.net.

You can download a free copy of her first book, A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet, until January 31, 2015 at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and CBD.com.

salty

 

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher, Tyndale House, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated other than the joy received from reading a lovely book.

 

A Review: Beyond All Dreams

06 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

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Bethany House, Beyond All Dreams, Elizabeth Camden, review

Beyond All Dreams

 

Beyond All Dreams is the first book I have encountered by Elizabeth Camden and I am happy to say I really enjoyed it. It is a romantic historical fiction with a twist of mystery and adventure. Many of the books pages are devoted to the growing relationship of the two main characters, and that is always my preference. Author Elizabeth Camden has written a stand-out book that is both interesting and exciting.

From the Back Cover: Anna O’Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

There is a wonderful theme of forgiveness laced in the pages of this novel. It is subtle but adds tremendous value to the story. Both Ann and the congressman, Luke Callahan, must come to terms with their past and their present. In a conversation between Luke and Anna far into the story Anna states, “There is no statute of limitations on extending forgiveness.” I found this to be a very powerful statement. It really should be printed on canvas and hung in as many places as possible.

I now count myself as an Elizabeth Camden fan and I look forward to discovering more of her titles. This book is an easy 4 stars, 4.5 truly.  It is not your typical romance in that the love story between the characters is believable. The history is intriguing, and the end is delightful.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta

21 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

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Jessica Dotta, Price of Privilege, Price of Privilege Trilogy, review

Price of Privilege

I often group books into three categories: shallow, still touching the bottom, and deep. A shallow book is enjoyable for its effortless readability. I can pick it up whenever and read it even in the most chaotic situations like a pediatricians office in flu season. If a book is “still touching the bottom” I am reading something that requires a little more investment and concentration. Lastly, a deep book requires more of me. I need to read it in a quiet room and focus on the unfolding plot. In Price of Privilege, I found myself in the deep end of the pool for all 446 pages.

First of all, this book does not stand alone. You do need to read the prior books before reading this title. Jessica Dotta has written an intriguing trilogy and each book is essential to the story. Picking up right at the end of the very dramatic and emotionally taxing drama might leave you confused. Having said that, it is absolutely worth it to read all three.

In this final installment of the Price of Privilege trilogy, Julia Elliston has managed to marry her true love, Edward. They spend only a few wonderful pages in martial bliss before they are on the run. Finding refuge only in the home of her father, Lord Pierson, Julia finds her self in a legal battle for her life. Short of a miracle, Edward will lose his life and she will be returned to Chance Macy.

Very few books bring me to tears, but I found myself with wet eyes in the final chapters of Price of Privilege. Honestly, I was unaware I had cared so much for the characters.  Many times, I found Julia exhausting and the ongoing crisis energy depleting. There are few joyous moments of relief. (Think Wuthering Heights sprinkled with a little Jane Austen.) In the end, Dotta brings everything to a close in a surprise ending I never saw coming. I would be delighted to see this book made into a movie, preferably by the BBC.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own

Buttermilk Sky by Jan Watson

08 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

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Buttermilk Sky, Jan Watson, review

Buttermilk SkyButtermilk Sky by Jan Watson is delightful in every category a historical fiction novel should be. I enjoyed it immensely and I would rank Buttermilk Sky in my list of favorites this year.

Watson’s characters are warm and friendly. I love how Watson created a strong female character in Mazy Pelfrey who is determined to finish secretarial school…even though she isn’t a natural. She is away from home trying to figure it all out, including her feelings for her back home sweetheart, Chanis Clay.

This is a love story lived out every day for girls who have gone to college and left the love of their youth behind and wondered if there could be someone else. I truly enjoyed how the story played out. The tangible drama, sweet romance, and interesting side stories will leave you up late turning pages.

Buttermilk Sky is the first novel by Jan Watson I have ever read and I will definitely seek out her other titles. Watson writes outside of what I think of as the typical historical fiction formula. Buttermilk Sky is a five-star read! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher, Tyndale House, in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

Love Letters From God by Glenys Nellist

28 Sunday Sep 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Family, Reviewed Books

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Bible Stories, Glenys Nellist, Love Letters From God, review, Zonderkidz

Love LettersFilled with some of my all time favorite Bible Stories, Love Letters from God quickly became my pick for bedtime reading with my children. I absolutely love how each story is told in such a way that children can easily understand and apply it to their lives. This book is comparable to Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling in that each story is offered in form of a letter from God to the child. Each letter is beautifully written with the story’s application weaved within each line.

I also find the illustrations to be absolutely delightful. The colors are eye-catching and tell each story well. Each story offers a stamped letter that can be opened by lifting a flap. I love this feature! There is also a line left blank after the greeting in each letter for you to write your child’s name.

On the back cover of this book, the age suggestion is from 4 to 8 years. I would agree as I have two boys that fall between the offered age range. Both find the book to be interesting and they are always excited to read the next story.

Sometimes, I save the books I review to include in Christmas gifts. However, I will be keeping this one! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

The Southern Foodie’s Guide To The Pig

16 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Family, Food, Reviewed Books

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Buttermilk Pie, Chris Champerlain, recipes, review, Something Different, South's Best Restaurants, The Southern Foodie's Guide To The Pig

The Southern Foodie's GuideAs a devout “Foodie” married to a devout “Foodie” who has an affinity for pork, there was no question about whether or not this book would be loved.  I adore it!  The Southern Foodie’s Guide To The Pig is more than a listing of delicious places to eat in the South, it is a manual to creating, eating, and finding pig perfection! My husband and I spent more than an hour flipping through the pages and bookmarking all of the places we would eat and all of the recipes we would attempt. We live in Northern Virginia, and there are several listings for restaurants near our home.

One of my favorite features of this book are the recipes provided from the restaurants that author Chris Chamberlain would rank as some of the best in the South. I am anxious to try so many of the sauces, rubs, side dishes, and desserts for myself.

For this post, I made Buttermilk Pie from Something Different in Urbanna, Virginia. This recipe is simple and well worth the effort.

You will need:

1 Pie Crust (I used a store-bought refrigerated crust)

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup all-purpose flour, heaping

Preheat the oven to 350. Cream together softened butter and sugar.

PIE !

Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.

PIE 2Add the buttermilk, sour cream, and flour and mix well.

PIE 4Now take your pie crust in your pie pan,

PIE CRUSTand pour in the filling.

PIE 5Bake for 45-50 minutes or until firm and caramelized on top. It should be slightly crusty and brown.

PIE 6And here is my picture of my cut piece….

plate o pieIt didn’t make it to the photo shoot and I don’t trust myself to cut another piece! It is pretty amazing!!

I highly recommend this book to all lovers of Southern Fare! This is a fun read that I am sure you will reference often. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and BookLookBloggers and the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

The First Time We Saw Him by Matt Mikalatos

28 Thursday Aug 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

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Great Reads 2014, Matt Mikalatos, review, The First Time We Saw Him

The First time we saw him“Gospel stories retold for today,” a tag line that certainly grabbed my attention. One, because I am a fan of Francine Rivers and Liz Curtis Higgs who have retold Bible stories with great skill. I knew this book could be either incredible or truly terrible. Especially if the Gospel got lost in the modern retelling. However, to my surprise, this book is quite amazing.

I am the prime example of the person who grew up in church and vacation Bible school, in the cinder block basement rooms of Baptist Churches. I dare say there isn’t a Bible story I haven’t heard at least 100 times.  Author Mike Mikalatos managed to retell the Gospel story in such a way that it challenged and unsettled my heart.  The First Time We Saw Him, left me hungry and desperate to go back and read these astonishing accounts in scripture with new eyes. More importantly, after reading the first few chapters, I leapt into action to assist a neighbor I had been avoiding helping for several years. I know…a shameful admission, but its true. Mikalatos retelling of the Good Samaritan was eye-opening to my own failings to reach out to those who might slow me down during my “too busy for interruptions” day.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is well worth the few hours it took me to consume it. Read this book! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BakerBooks in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

P.S.  The First Time We Saw Him is currently on sale on Amazon, Kindle version, for $1.99!

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