What A Difference A Mom Makes - Dr. Kevin Leman

"Boys will be boys--always. And no one has a more powerful impact on them than you, Mom.  Surprise! Your boy wants to please you, and he cares deeply about what you think. Those driving needs will stay with him throughout his lifetime. That gives you, Mom, a lot of influence over your son. You can set him up for success in life.  In What a Difference a Mom Makes, the New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman reveals how you can make a positive imprint on your son--from the moment you first hold him in your arms until the moment he leaves for college. And the best news? It's never too late to start, no matter what age your son is now.  Through Dr. Leman's expert advice, you'll understand who your son is on the inside, the truth behind sibling squabbles (and how to handle them), a secret for discipline that works every time, and how to navigate the critical teen years. You'll also discover how your parenting style impacts your relationship with your son and how you can respond in a healthy way to his growing interest in sex and relationships.  Want to capture your boy's heart? Want a man you'll be proud to call your son? You can make a difference, because you are the one who matters most in your boy's world.  Even if he won't admit it."

Out of all of the books I chose to review in September, this was the one I was looking forward to the most.  As a mother to two sons aged 5 and almost 7, I was immediately drawn to this book just upon reading the description.  My sons own my heart, and yet sometimes I have questioned whether I am making an impact into their lives.  My eyes were opened after reading this book concerning just how much my sons need me, even if it doesn't seem like it.  Ever since reading this book, I have noticed the little things that each of them do where they are subtly looking for my approval.  Things that I use to just brush off as nothing, I now see in a completely different life.  It was an eye opener to me when Dr.Leman talked about how my relationship with my boys has an impact on the choice of my future daughter-in-laws! 
I plan on reading this book again, even slower this time, to make sure I catch every little tidbit.  Then I plan on passing it around to all my friends with sons.  My husband was even so impressed with the stuff I was telling him about the book that he wants to read it.  He also wants to pick up the book Dr. Leman wrote concerning daughters and fathers so he can improve his relationship with out little girl!  I highly recommend this book to any mother out there who has a son.  It will change the way you parent them.  It's never too late!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

With Every Letter - Sarah Sundin

" Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she's never met--even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence--he's been trying to escape his infamous name for years.  As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other's true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?  Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing--and true love."

I am a fan of WWII fiction, and this did not disappoint.  I enjoyed reading this book immensely.  The attention to detail and facts was wonderful.  I enjoyed all of Mellie and Tom's letter writing.  I have a new admiration for flight nurses from WWII. The twists and turns kept me hooked right up to the end which did not disappoint.  I will definitely be going back and looking at a few more of Sarah Sundin's books!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Love`s Reckoning - Laura Frantz

"On a bitter December day in 1784, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, Pennsylvania. Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship quickly and move west. But because he is a fast worker and a superb craftsman, Liege endeavors to keep him in York by appealing to an old tradition: the apprentice shall marry one of his master's beautiful daughters.
Eden is as gentle and fresh as Elspeth is high-spirited and cunning. But are they truly who they appear to be? In a house laced with secrets, each sister seeks to secure her future. Which one will claim Silas's heart--and will he agree to Liege's arrangement? In this sweeping family saga, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. This is the Ballantyne Legacy."

This book was such a great read.  It was very hard for me to put it down.  Eden is such a wonderful women who longs to do the things that God calls her.  She is so caring and selfless that she is often taken advantage of by some pretty cruel people in her life.  Her father and her sister.  I have never really despised people in novels, but I found myself at points becoming very angry with both of these characters. Especially the selfish, manipulative sister, Elspeth.  Silas is such an honorable man and a perfect match for Eden.  Together, with God, they work to overcome the struggles in there lives.  There is also an excerpt from the next novel in the series, and I cannot wait to see where it goes. 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Bridesmaid - Beverly Lewis

"Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published--something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare. Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?"

The Bridesmaid is the second book in Beverly Lewis' trilogy Home to Hickory Hollow series, but is could also be read as a stand alone.  Mrs. Lewis is one of my favorite authors and I have enjoyed every book I have read by her.  I love how vivid her descriptions of the settings are.  It makes you feel like you are right there in Hickory Hollow.  Joanna is a wonderfully written character.  Her heartbreak over her relationship with Eben made me tear up at points.  I loved how even in the midst of not understanding, she placed her full trust in the Lord, even going as far as laying out a "fleece" before Him.  (I won't give it away, but I loved that little side story in the novel.) Eben's dedication to his family is noble and heart wrenching all at the same time.  I would highly recommend this book and cannot wait for Mrs. Lewis' next one!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Tough Guys and Drama Queens by Mark Gregston

I can remember when I was in my teen years and on weekdays it was time to get ready for school.  My mom would come into my room and turn on the lights and open the windows to let the light in.  It would always disturb me enough to wake me up.  That is the same kind of feeling that I got in reading the book “Tough Guys and Drama Queens” by Mark Gregston.

As a parent with a son on the verge of coming into the ‘Tween years, I read this book at just the right time.  It should serve as a wake-up call to all parents.  The thinking of young people and how the culture teaches them to think has changed.  It really is our responsibility of us as parents to lead our kids, and teach them… not try to be their friend too.

Gregston creates an analogy about a young person learning to play baseball.  They stand at the plate with their bat in hand over their shoulder.  One would expect the first pitch to be something mild, and controlled… something experience appropriate.  Instead the first pitch consists of several baseballs flying at their head.  The young person is left swinging desperately at the targets, and is left confused and frustrated. 

The book draws on several stories of young people from Gregston’s experience as a counsellor and focuses on some key areas.  They are (1) What’s So Different About Today’s Culture?  (2) Parenting Practices to Avoid (3) Parenting Practices That Really Work.

In the first section Gregston goes through some of the major differences that he has observed.  He talks about how there is an overexposure to everything, how young people have increased communication, but are more disconnected than ever.  He also discusses their changing world from divorced parents, and shifts in relationships, and how this lack of stability can impact them in their development.

Section two focuses on some of the things that parents may do to try to force their young person into doing the right thing, while Section three focuses on an offshoot from earlier in the book.  Parents need to help their young person begin to make decisions that are correct, but help them get there with their own reasoning.  

This was such a great book, and really should be part of a training manual for parents. 

I was provided a copy for review by BookSneeze.  I was free to review the book as I saw it.   

Whispers in the Wind - Lauraine Snelling

"After fleeing North Dakota and the now defunct Wild West Show, Cassie Lockwood and her companions have finally found the hidden valley in South Dakota where her father had dreamed of putting down roots. But to her dismay, she discovers a ranch already built on her land.  Cassie's arrival surprises Mavis Engstrom and forces her to reveal secrets she's kept hidden for years. Her son Ransom is suspicious of Cassie and questions the validity of her claim to the valley. But younger son Lucas decides from the start that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.  Will Cassie be able to build a home on the Bar E Ranch and fulfill her father's dream of raising horses, or will she be forced to return to the itinerant life of her past?" (Publisher's description)

This is my first novel by Lauraine Snelling and I was not disappointed.  I didn't realize until I got it that it was the second book in the Wild Wild West series, so I was a little apprehensive that I would be completely lost.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Mrs. Snelling did an amazing job at having enough clues about what had occurred in the previous novel that I did not feel lost at all.  I loved the strength that Cassie has.  I also enjoyed the mentoring relationship that Cassie had with Mavis.  I will definitely be going to my local christian bookstore to pick up the first book so I can see where the whole story of Cassie began!

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

Mary Magdalene - Diana Wallis Taylor

One woman desperate for hope. One Savior with the power to heal.  A beautiful girl blossoming into womanhood, Mary has high hopes for a life filled with learning, family, and young love. In one dreadful night, all of that changes. The nightmares come first, then the waking visions of unspeakable terror, until Mary hardly remembers her dreams for the future.  Can the Most High deliver her from this torment? How long must she wait for healing? (publisher's description)

This book was easy to read because it was incredibly impossible to put down. The story of Mary Magdalene is beautifully woven and draws the reader completely in.  For me it brought so many things that I have read in the bible to life.   Some of my favorite parts of the book were the interactions Mary had with Jesus when she was healed and when she was the first to see Him at the tomb. I highly recommend this book for everyone who loves biblical fiction but I would advise to have a box of Kleenex on hand!
 
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group"