The Newsmakers, by Lis Wiehl

The world of journalism is fast-paced, adventurous, and apparently far more glamorous and cutthroat than we knew.

Erica Sparks, an overnight sensation, discovers just how corrupt the world of television news is when she makes the "big time". Her light-speed rise to fame catapults her into a dark world of crime and evil, and puts her life and the life of her daughter in danger.

Sound interesting? It is. There were some good points: character development was thorough and well done, and the general idea that people can rise above their circumstances, failures and upbringing was refreshing. Beyond that, I was totally disappointed.

Here are the cons:

• The book is written in the present tense, which can be a bit confusing and jolting. 
• p. 87 "But Erica doesn't cry. No. Uh-uh." I can almost hear that being read in the voice of someone doing baby talk. Just...no. In fact, there were several places in the book where it almost seemed like a child's tale. "Weep and weep", "wail and wail"..... Again, just no. 
• Erica is amazing. She can remain calm, cool, and collected when dealing with a bloody, catastrophic event on live TV, or when someone is dying in her arms, but she freaks out at some bugs, or a rat on her desk...!? 
• The plot was over-the-top, verging on ridiculous. Totally unbelievable. 
• Sloppy-sweet, predictable lines. 
• The ending was eye-rollingly cheesy. 

My biggest disappointment was in the situations and language portrayed in the book. Intimacy between unmarried people, swearing, unnecessarily dark and disturbing sexual themes.....

There is nothing remotely Christian about this book. At all. I don't understand how Thomas Nelson can publish it as Christian fiction. I will not be reading any more in this series.

2 out of 5 stars.


I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The Bee-friendly Garden

When it comes to gardening, I am ignorant. Completely and totally. Still, I know how crucial bees are to gardens, and to life itself, but how can they be encouraged to hang out in a garden? What draws them...or repels them? In The Bee-friendly Garden, the benefits of bees and helpful tips on how to draw them to your garden space are laid out in beautiful detail. 

I learned quite a few interesting tidbits about these amazing creatures from this book! There is so much useful info packed in this book. The life cycles of bees, types of bees, what they need to survive, types of plants that attract them....  

In addition to how-to's for creating a bee-friendly space is a regional plant list, and info on how to become a "bee activist". Suggestions on which plants, flowers, vegetables, and trees work best, to building nesting areas--it's all here! 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Women of Faith and a Girls' Night Out

"Women of Faith has been encouraging women since 1996 with compelling stories, laugh-out-loud humor, heart-tugging music, rejuvenating worship, and more! Women of Faith events are produced by the world’s largest producer of inspirational events for women, based in Plano, Texas. Through authentic connection with audiences, humor, and an atmosphere of encouragement and acceptance, world-class communicators deliver life-changing messages through high-quality programs in cities across North America." 

I've been watching some videos from Women of Faith, and reading portions of the materials on their website, and I've just got to say this: I wish, so much, that I had checked into this wonderful organization sooner, and that I had been able to actually attend one of their events! I had heard of Women of Faith, sure...but I didn't really know what they were about, and what they did. I'm glad there are still videos, DVDs, books and other resources to be of encouragement to us gals. God knows we need it! No matter what "season" you're in, it is always a help, sort of a God-hug, to know that other women are where you are, or have lived through it and are there to help pull you through. I love this line I read when finding out more about Women of Faith: 

"God loves you. Let Him." 

That sounds easy, but, especially for some of us, it isn't. We need to be told that very thing, sometimes over and over again. 

I am SO excited to be able to see the new movie, Women of Faith, an Amazing, Joyful Journey--the Untold Story! Thanks to FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network, I get to take a few friends and enjoy a Girls' Night Out! My friends and I don't get any of those these days. I would encourage you to see the movie as well! Go here to check cities and showtimes: http://wofincinemas.com

If you have been encouraged by Women of Faith, please feel free to share your story below! I'd love to read it. 

More Info: 

Movie Trailer: https://vimeo.com/148924235

Official website: http://www.wofincinemas.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenoffaith

Twitter: https://twitter.com/womenoffaith

Instagram: @WomenofFaith 

NKJV Study Bible For Kids

Colorful, fun, engaging...this Bible has everything! There's a fine line between being appealing to kids and being too "childish". Thomas Nelson found that balance. My 10-year-old daughter, who I thought would think this Bible more suitable for her younger brother, surprised me by snapping it up and making it "hers". (Her brother loved it so much that I got one for him for Christmas.)

Although I prefer leather-like covers to hardback, it didn't seem to bother my kids at all; I like the idea that the hardback will hold up a little longer. I like that the Scripture references are on the edge of the pages, making it easier for the kids to thumb through and find what they're looking for. The features throughout the Bible include book introductions, timelines, maps, personality profiles,  articles, and other helps that bring ideas of the passage to life, and assist the reader in applying truths to current circumstances in their lives. In the back is a list of book abbreviations, dictionary-concordance and an index of articles.

Although I prefer the ESV version for daily reading, this Bible works just great for my kiddos, and that's good enough for me.

5 out of 5 stars.



I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. The opinions stated are my own. 

apartment therapy, complete + happy home

Interior decorating books are particularly interesting to me now, as my husband and I dream of finally buying our own home. Honestly, my decorating style is so eclectic that I don't even know what it is. I've gone from the brass sconces with ivy swags and floral curtains to vintage/retro to a version of the Good Luck Charlie house. And when we move, I don't know which direction to go! I am fairly confident, however, that I will not be going back to the 90's look.

A hefty book, apartment therapy, is gorgeously bound. This book will be displayed prominently. (I have a book addiction; decorating with them helps to justify that.) Open the cover, and get ready for a lot more pretty...but not just that. apartment therapy isn't just pleasing to look at: this book is packed with info. From explanations of house styles to defining light sources, there was far more here in practicality than I expected.

Sections on choosing and setting up your home, and living in and maintaining your space are further organized by type such as finishing touches and rooms, and presented in such a fun way. I love the section on color, (pg. 31) and who doesn't need a better idea of how a "fairy-tale living room" (p. 109) differs from "the scandinavian living room"?  (p. 110) 

This one was a real winner for me. I highly recommend apartment therapy,  whether or not you are actually planning on a new home, redecorating or just need something to curl up with and read while you sip your coffee. 

5 out of 5 stars from me. 

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Gramar Workbook, An Intro to Advanced Grammar (Review)

Grammar Workbook, An Intro to Advanced Grammar,  came at a great time. My daughter, who can rattle off historical facts like nobody's business, struggles with grammar, and needs some extra help in that area. Although not a large book, Grammar Workbook is packed with a lot of information. I would have preferred the explanation of each new concept to be explained a bit more simply and more in depth, but I was able to walk my daughter through it with a bit of my own tweaking, and it worked. She hasn't completed the book yet, but I feel confident that it will help her to gain confidence in this subject. 

I recommend Grammar Workbook for review or extra practice, but not as a stand alone curriculum. It is available at a very reasonable price at Amazon.com.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own. 

Owls, Our Most Charming Bird

I adore owls. My kids adore owls. Besides, they are so, like, IN right now. But really, I love them. So cute, so fluffy, and, according to this book, everything from "adorable" to "a monstrosity".

This little book is absolutely charming. Along with a simple and beautiful watercolor painting of each species, there is a short, informative write-up that is both quirky and educational. The species are separated into groups based on habitat. Owls, Our Most Charming Bird was a hit with my kids, too. My daughter is already trying to copy the illustrations.

4 out of 5 stars from me.

More about the book: 

An enchanting illustrated guide to owl species of the world.

The owl is one of nature’s most captivating creatures. In this enchanting guide, artist Matt Sewell brings to life fifty species from around the world. From the adorable Eurasian Pygmy Owl, small enough to fit in your pocket, to the Great Gray Owl, celebrated for its size and elegance—these charming illustrations are sure to delight anyone intrigued by these wise and wonderful animals.


Available on Amazon.com and bookstores everywhere. 

Thank you to Blogging for Books for my review copy!